Dr. Jordi Robert Olalla, coordinator of the Chronic Fatigue Unit of the Hospital Universitario Dexeus of the Quirónsalud group, indicates that despite current technological advances, doctors are sometimes unable to determine the causes of some diseases.
By analyzing alterations and exploring the patient’s physique, it is possible to determine several diseases for which the symptomatology is already known. However, there are still limitations in the treatment and prevention of other disorders such as chronic fatigue for which the causes are still unknown.
When a chronic fatigue patient asks why he or she suffers from chronic fatigue, the only answer that can be given is a list of probable causes. It is impossible to determine with certainty what has caused it.
What is the origin of chronic fatigue?
Years ago it was believed that this syndrome started after infection with the Epstein Barr virus. For this reason, there is a belief that this condition possibly has a viral origin.
Another virus thought to be a possible cause of chronic fatigue is the human herpes virus type 6.
The same was true for the XMRV virus, which a few years ago was thought to be involved, but later studies ruled out a link. Currently, it is still thought that there could be a link between the two, although no study confirms this.
Among other possibilities that have been considered are:
- Immunological
- Genetic
- Environmental factors
- Stress
It is believed that some environmental toxins could be the cause of the onset or be what triggers the disease. Some indications suggesting alterations of immunological origin due to lymphocyte populations were also detected, but there are no conclusive studies to prove this either.
Therefore, despite the various investigations carried out, there is no reliable information that would allow us to conclude the causes and origins of chronic fatigue. In fact, it is quite likely that there are different possible triggers to a predisposition.