Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome also called CFS is defined as a debilitating disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with bed rest and may be worsened by physical and mental activity.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is most common in middle aged female and it may lead to decreased performance and depression.

Causes and risk factors:-

The exact Cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown till now but many causes may share together to result in it, these causes include:

1- Iron deficiency anemia

2- Hypoglycemia

3- Hypotension

4- Virus infection

5- Immune system disorders

6- Psychiatric conditions

7- Hormones level disturbance

8- Aging

9- Female gender

10- Stress

11- Genetics

Signs and Symptoms:-

Primary signs and symptoms:

1-     Fatigue

2-     Sleep difficulties

3-     Memory and concentration difficulties

4-     Muscle pain

5-     Joint pain “without signs of inflammation”

6-     Headache

7-     Enlarged tender lymph nodes

8-     Sore throat

Additional signs and symptoms:

1-     Chest pain

2-     Abdominal pain and diarrhea

3-     Morning stiffness

4-     Depression

5-     Brain fog

6-     Visual disturbance

7-     Weight disturbance

8-     Balance problems

Diagnosis:-

Criteria for diagnosis according to CDC:-

Clinician should consider a diagnosis of CFS if these two criteria are met:

1- Unexplained, persistent fatigue that's not due to ongoing exertion, isn't substantially relieved by rest, is of new onset (not lifelong) and results in a significant reduction of activities.

2- Four or more of the following symptoms are present for six months or more:

1- Impaired memory or concentration

2- Postexertional malaise (extreme, prolonged exhaustion and sickness following physical or mental activity)

3- Unrefreshing sleep

4- Muscle pain

5- Multijoint pain without swelling or redness

6- Headaches of a new type or severity

7- Sore throat that's frequent or recurring

8- Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes

Treatment:-

1-     Cognitive behavioral therapy

2-     Graded exercise therapy

3-     Moderate physical and psychological activity

4-     Healthy diet

5-      Symptomatic treatment for “ headache , abdominal pain , joint pain , depression , hypotension , sleep difficulties … etc”

Read more about chronic fatigue syndrome:

The Doctor's Guide To Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Understanding, Treating, And Living With Cfids

Defeat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: You Don't Have to Live with It -- An Eight Step Protocol

Recovery from CFS: 50 Personal Stories

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide

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