Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, was first identified in the 1980s, but the
cause is very hard to determine. It encompasses many different symptoms and
discomforts. It is defined as significant fatigue for a period of more than
six months, not related to exertion or lack of sleep, and associated with
other symptoms. The patient feels fluey, no energy, frequent headaches,
sore joints and lymph nodes, and has trouble concentrating.
The most common CFS symptoms are:
" Fatigue
Constant deep, incapacitating mental and physical exhaustion, which does not
disappear through rest. Rather than alleviate this long term fatigue,
exercise of any kind only aggravates it.
" Pain
CFS pain is generally in the muscles, joints (without swelling or
inflammation), and lymph nodes. Common complaints are also irritable bowel
syndrome, chest pains and sore throats.
" Cognition
Patients may suffer from forgetfulness and confusion. Their thinking,
focusing and verbal skills are often affected as well.
" Hypersensitivity
Most CFS sufferers are very sensitive to light, sound, chemicals and food.
The oversensitivity to foods, odors, substances, and medications can make
treatment difficult. Patients who already had a history of allergies and
conditions, like asthma, now tend to suffer more acutely from those
symptoms. Oversensitivity of all the senses contributes to abnormal
tiredness, migraines, and even seizures.
" Body Temperature Imbalance
CFS patients have trouble stabilizing their body temperature, constantly
fluctuating between too hot and too cold. They often complain of fever-like
symptoms. This may be due to the affected hypothalamus, the organ
controlling body temperature.
" Sleep Issues
No amount of sleep and rest can make these sufferers feel better. Most have
trouble getting a good night's sleep. Even with regular sleep schedule and
after prolonged deep sleep, they wake up exhausted.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is very hard to diagnose because of the many
different symptoms. Every patient is different and presents varying
combinations and severity of the main symptoms above. Furthermore, the
symptoms may come and go seemingly without reason or treatment.
It is a very debilitating ailment, greatly affecting the persons' quality of
life. The un- restful sleep and any combination of symptoms can further
contribute to a host of other problems, such as loss of concentration,
dizziness, depression, mood disorders, and short-term memory impairment.
To further add to the difficulty of diagnosis are other conditions like
fibromyalgia, which has most of the same symptoms. Pre-existing conditions
like chronic viral illnesses, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple
sclerosis, hepatitis, sleep disorder, adverse effects of medication, severe
obesity, and psychiatric illnesses all impact on the diagnosis and
treatment.
There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome; only treatments for the
symptoms, such as headaches and sore throats. The treatment by conventional
and alternative means both aim at the restoration of normal sleep and
elimination of pain.
Treatments vary from antidepressants, steroids, immune system medications,
anti-histamines to homeopathic treatments like evening primrose oil, diet
therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and gentle exercise programs.
Although lack of a definite treatment for CFS leaves a lot to be desired,
the above treatments, whether all or a combination, can prove fairly
effective.
If depression is the main problem, treatment of that can significantly
improve the quality of sleep, thus affording some relief of the persistent
fatigue. Psychologists can identify personal factors, such as personality
styles, unhelpful thought patterns, and attitudes. They can also help
patients identify overwork-collapse patterns and train them to reduce the
physical, psychological and emotional stressors.
Diet is of utmost importance. It is important to include essential fatty
acids in your daily food intake as well as powerful antioxidants to restore
the immune system. Both have shown significant improvement in chronic
fatigue syndrome symptoms.
Heavy metal may also be a cause of CFS. In the case of mercury poisoning,
dental fillings would need to be removed.
NB
This information about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been gleaned from
various sources. It may not be fully accurate and is intended only for
informational purposes. Only your doctor can make the right diagnosis and
prescribe treatment right for you!
Author Resource:-
Ann Stewart, author, inspirational writer and wellness coach, shares tips on how to fight off disease and feel your best in her weekly newsletter,Youth Makeover
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