Live Life Team
Chronic fatigue syndrome is the fatigue that occurs for a long period of time. It does not disappear with rest or sleep. It is also called as ME or myalgic encephalomyelitis, which indicates the inflammation of the spinal cord and brain. CFS is generally used by the doctors to indicate long term fatigue. The major symptom of this condition is the presence of chronic fatigue.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis is used to indicate the people suffering from Chronic fatigue syndrome as the term CFS does not normally indicate the severity of the fatigue feeling.
Symptoms
Chronic fatigue syndrome is normally characterised by persistent exhaustiveness and tiredness, which does not disappear with rest or sleep. It felt by people in such a way that;
it has not been felt before
even after a good sleep, one does feel refreshed
the tiredness occurs not because of exhaustion
it does not result in the motivation loss, that people tend to feel during depression.
If a person exercises or is physically very active, it can worsen the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition is known as post-exertional malaise. The symptoms of this condition usually develop slightly later.
The other symptoms that are commonly experienced are:
- Joint pains
- muscle pain
- high intensity headaches
- poor concentration
- poor memory
- one will find difficult in organising his or thoughts
- one will be at a loss of the correct words
- glandular swelling that are very tender can be observed near the throat
- lymph nodes become very painful
- Stomach ache
- irritable bowel syndrome
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- bloating
- sore throat
- problems with sleeping like insomnia
- sensitivity to light
- intolerance to alcohol and loud noise
- Depression, panic attacks and irritability.
Causes
The major contributors of chronic fatigue system are:
- Viral infections like glandular fever that will weaken human immunity system.
- exhaustion
- mental stress
- depression
- a highly traumatic situation like losing you beloved ones, divorce etc
- inherited genetic susceptibility
The factors that will worsen Chronic Fatigue system are:
- recurring viral infections
- recurring infection caused by bacteria
- hyperactivity
- hypo activity
- stress
- poor diet
- depression
- frustration
- social isolation
- pollution of the environment
Diagnosis
There is nor particular test that will help in the diagnosis of Chronic fatigue syndrome. The presence of fatigue in association with other symptoms will help to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome.
A physical examination is performed and then one is advised to undergo blood tests and scan to eliminate other conditions like hypothyroidism, renal failure or anaemia.
Treatment
The most popular way for treating chronic fatigue syndrome are:
- Adjusting the daily routine in such a way so as to ensure proper sleeping.
- Cognitive Behavioural therapy which will help the sufferer to find out a new way of thinking about the causes of this tiredness.
- Graded exercises like walking or swimming will help to develop a refreshing feeling.
- Pacing helps to strike a balance the rest period and activity period. One must avoid large volumes of exercises to prevent set back.
- Use of antidepressants to treat CFS associated depression.
