Table of contents:
- What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
- Can chronic fatigue syndrome be cured?
- What are the symptoms?
- What are the causes?
- How is the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome?
- How is it treated?
What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that causes long-term disabling fatigue. It usually develops between the ages of 20 and 40. It is three times more common in women than in men. Chronic fatigue syndrome is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME.
Can chronic fatigue syndrome be cured?
There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome. Symptoms can vary and are different for each person. Some people recover completely from the condition within a few years, while others are affected for a longer period of time. Those who are diagnosed with the disease at an early age tend to have a better long-term prognosis.
Symptoms can vary and are different for each person.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are constant tiredness, a tiredness that does not improve much with rest and tends to occur a day after activity (known as “post-exertional malaise”). In addition, it is common to develop other symptoms such as:
- Sleep problems: such as sleeping too much, too little or having irregular sleep patterns.
- Cognitive problems: loss of memory or concentration, attention span or planning ability.
- Muscle pain or joint pain.
- headaches
- sore throat
- Dizziness or nausea.
- Heart palpitations.
Symptoms usually worsen after overexertion and can vary from day to day. Symptoms can also vary from person to person, leading many physicians to believe that chronic fatigue syndrome is made up of a number of different conditions rather than just one.
What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not known. Currently, there is a popular theory that a viral infection causes the syndrome. However, it is not known why symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome persist, even though the original infection has been eliminated, and many people develop chronic fatigue syndrome without an infection. There are other suspected “triggers” of chronic fatigue syndrome such as:
- Bacterial infections
- Hormonal imbalance
- Stress
- Depression
How is it diagnosed?
There is no specific test that diagnoses chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome is usually diagnosed when your doctor performs an evaluation of your symptoms and is unable to find another cause. To rule out other conditions, your doctor may order a blood and urine test in addition to a clinical examination.
What is the treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome includes counseling and guidance, medication and therapy. Counseling and guidance There are a variety of things you can do to manage chronic fatigue syndrome, and your doctor will likely advise you on:
- How to sleep better at night
- How to incorporate rest periods into your routine
- How to manage pain or stress through relaxation techniques.
Medication
Although there is no specific medication to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, your doctor may treat pain or sleep problems with the use of antidepressants, or may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
Therapy
Graded exercise therapy (GET) is often recommended to treat chronic fatigue syndrome. GET therapy is a structured treatment involving a physical or occupational therapist that aims to help gradually increase your capacity for physical activity. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you adopt a better sleep routine and manage your energy levels, as well as help you deal with the psychological impact of your illness. CBT is conducted by a psychotherapist.