What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS)?
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/persistent fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe, lengthy-term contamination that impacts many frame systems. People with ME/CFS are regularly no longer able to do their typical activities. At times, ME/CFS can also confine them to the mattress. People with ME/CFS have severe fatigue and sleep troubles. ME/CFS may additionally get worse after humans with the illness try to do as an awful lot as they want or want to do. This symptom is called post-exertional malaise (PEM). Other signs can consist of troubles with questioning and concentrating, ache, and dizziness.
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| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome |
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an extreme, long-time period contamination that impacts many frame structures. Another call for its miles is myalgic encephalomyelitis/persistent fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). CFS can regularly make you unable to do your ordinary sports. Sometimes you could no longer even be capable of getting out of bed.
Medical terms
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by excessive fatigue or tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest and may be defined via an underlying scientific condition.
CFS also can be called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).
The causes of CFS aren’t completely understood yet. Some theories include viral infection, mental strain, or a combination of factors.
Because no unmarried reason has been diagnosed, and due to the fact many different situations produce similar symptoms, CFS can be tough to diagnose.
There aren't any assessments for CFS. Your physician will ought to rule out other reasons for your fatigue while figuring out a prognosis.
While CFS was previously an arguable diagnosis, it’s now broadly common as a medical situation.
CFS can affect absolutely everyone, though it’s maximum commonplace among womenTrusted Source in their 40s and 50s. There’s presently no remedy, however remedy can relieve signs and symptoms.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder that is characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months and can't be fully explained by an underlying medical condition. The fatigue becomes worse when you do physical or mental activity, but it doesn't improve with rest.
Other characteristic symptoms include:
Sleep that isn't refreshing
Having difficulties with memory focus and concentration.
If you experience dizziness that worsens when you move from lying down or sitting to standing, it might be a sign of a head injury.
This condition is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Sometimes it's abbreviated as ME/CFS. It might be called systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) in the most recent terminology proposal.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that is still unknown, but there are many possible causes ranging from viral infections to psychological stress. Some experts believe that chronic fatigue syndrome might be caused by a combination of factors.
There is no single test that can confirm a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. You may need to undergo a variety of medical tests in order to rule out other health problems that have similar symptoms. Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome focuses on relieving symptoms.
Symptoms Chronic fatigue syndrome
Symptoms of CFS range based totally on the individual and the severity of the circumstance.
The most commonplace symptom is fatigue that’s extreme enough to interfere with your everyday activities.
For CFS to be recognized, a substantially decreased capacity to carry out your typical each day sports with fatigue have to last for at least 6 months. It has to no longer be curable with bed rest.
You may even enjoy severe fatigue after physical or mental activities, that is referred to as put up-exertional malaise (PEM). This can last for more than 24 hours after the hobby.
Chronic fatigue syndrome can have different symptoms for each person and the severity of symptoms can change from day to day. Symptoms may include: - Feeling tired all the time - Difficulty concentrating - Muscle pain or weakness - Headache
Fatigue
Problems with memory or concentration can make it difficult to do things.
Sore throat
Headaches
If you have enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits, it could be a sign of something serious. You should see a doctor to get tested for cancer.
Unexplained muscle or joint pain
When you stand up, you might feel dizzy. This happens because when you are lying down or sitting, your brain is resting and the blood flow to your head is slowed down. When you stand up, your brain needs more blood to work properly.
Unrefreshing sleep
After physical or mental exercise, he may feel extremely tired.
When to see a doctor
If you are constantly or excessively tired, it may be a sign of an illness. See your doctor if this is the case.
Causes Chronic fatigue syndrome
Scientists have no longer diagnosed what causes myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). It is possible that ME/CFS has multiple purposes, meaning that sufferers with ME/CFS ought to have contamination because of different causes (see under). In addition, it's far more viable that two or more triggers would possibly paint collectively to cause the contamination.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is still a mystery. Some people are born with a predisposition to it, which can be triggered by a combination of factors. Potential triggers include:
Viral infections.Some people develop chronic fatigue syndrome after having a viral infection. Researchers are unsure if some viruses might be responsible for triggering the disorder, including the Epstein-Barr virus and human herpes virus 6. There is no conclusive evidence yet linking these viruses to CFS.
Immune system problems.People with chronic fatigue syndrome have an impaired immune system, but it's not clear if this impairment is actually responsible for the disorder.
Hormonal imbalances.Chronic fatigue syndrome is also sometimes accompanied by abnormal blood levels of hormones produced in the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. But the significance of these abnormalities is still unknown.
Physical or emotional trauma.Some people believe that they were injured or experienced significant emotional stress shortly before their symptoms began.
Risk factors Chronic fatigue syndrome
Some factors that may increase your risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome include:
Age.Chronic fatigue syndrome can occur at any age, but it is most commonly seen in adults in the young to middle-aged range.
Sex.Women are more likely to be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome than men, but this could be because women are more likely to report their symptoms to a doctor.
Complications Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Some complications of chronic fatigue syndrome may include:
Lifestyle restrictions
People are taking more days off from work.
Social isolation
Depression
How do you fix chronic fatigue?
Chronic fatigue is a condition that causes extreme fatigue for at least six months Other symptoms may include: Trouble sleeping or insomnia Inability to concentrate or remember things Muscle and joint pain headaches and sore throat depending on the cause of the chronic fatigue Some causes of chronic fatigue are depression or a mood disorder anemia cancer fibromyalgia (a condition that causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness) lupus (a disease in which the immune system attacks healthy cells) and Lyme disease (an infection caused by ticks) Lack of sleep can also cause chronic fatigue Talk to your doctor if you have difficulty sleeping for more than.
Can chronic fatigue syndrome go away?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by extreme fatigue that is not improved by rest and that has lasted for at least six months The fatigue can be severe enough to cause significant problems with daily living Along with extreme tiredness people with CFS often have other symptoms including pain all over the body sore throat tender lymph nodes and headaches While there is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome many treatments exist that can ease the symptoms of this condition Treatment may include physical therapy medications to help manage pain and sleep problems or cognitive behavioral therapy to help the patient adjust their lifestyle to reduce stress and lower anxiety levels Because the underlying cause of C.
What is the best medicine for fatigue?
Fatigue is a condition that affects millions of people every year There are many types of fatigue including general chronic and mental fatigue General fatigue is the inability to maintain physical or mental activity without feeling tired Chronic fatigue may be caused by any number of conditions and lasts for more than six months Mental fatigue is exhaustion from performing mentally demanding tasks such as problem solving or using memory skills Regardless of the cause all forms of fatigue can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications when necessary.
Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome serious?
Chronic fatigue syndrome affects approximately 1 million to 2.5 million Americans and nearly 85 percent of people with CFS are women Symptoms include extreme fatigue that lasts for six months or more cognitive impairment and muscle weakness CFS can lead to other conditions including fibromyalgia which causes achy muscles joint pain headaches and sleep disturbances; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which causes abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel patterns; depression; anxiety disorder; postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) a condition that involves an abnormal increase in heart rate when standing up followed by fainting or near-fainting because of a drop in.
Does chronic fatigue syndrome get worse with age?
People with chronic fatigue syndrome experience persistent and debilitating fatigue that restricts their ability to work study or even do household chores A person with the condition may be tired for weeks at a time and then have periods of feeling better but this improvement doesn't last long Despite being tired all the time people with chronic fatigue syndrome are not able to sleep more than normal amounts.
Can exercise help CFS?
The CDC says the number of people with CFS is unknown in part because many doctors might not be familiar with the condition Getting diagnosed can take years and there’s no cure for it But exercise is often recommended for treating chronic fatigue syndrome Exercise may help you feel better by reducing pain improving sleep and boosting your energy level.
Diagnosis Chronic fatigue syndrome
There is not a specific check for ME/CFS, so it's identified primarily based on your signs and symptoms and with the aid of ruling out other situations that might be causing your signs.
The GP will ask about your signs and symptoms and clinical records. You may also have blood and urine tests.
As the signs and symptoms of ME/CFS are similar to the ones of many not unusual ailments that usually get better on their own, an analysis of ME/CFS can be considered in case you do not get better as quickly as anticipated.
Chronic fatigue syndrome cannot be confirmed with a single test. Symptoms may resemble those of many other health problems, including:
Sleep disorders.Chronic fatigue can be caused by disturbances in sleep. A sleep study can determine if your sleep is being disrupted by conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or insomnia.
Medical problems.Fatigue is a common symptom in several medical conditions. Tests can be done to check your blood for evidence of some of the most common causes, such as anemia, diabetes, and underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Mental health issues.Fatigue is a symptom of various mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. A counselor can help determine if your fatigue is caused by one of these problems.
People who have chronic fatigue syndrome may also have other health problems at the same time, such as sleep problems, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression or anxiety.
There are a lot of overlapping symptoms between chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, which some researchers think makes the two conditions different parts of the same disease.
Diagnostic criteria
The fatigue associated with chronic fatigue syndrome is defined as being:
This condition is so severe that it prevents you from engaging in pre-illness activities.
Of new or definite onset (not lifelong)
Not substantially alleviated by rest
The more you struggle, the worse your condition will become.
To meet the diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, a person would need to experience at least one of the following symptoms:
Memory problems may include difficulties focusing and concentrating.
When you stand up, you may feel dizzy. This is because you have been sitting or lying down for a long time and your body has to adjust to being upright again.
The symptoms must last for at least six months, and they should occur at least half the time at a moderate or severe level of intensity.
Treatment Chronic fatigue syndrome
Treatment for ME/CFS targets to alleviate the symptoms. Your treatment will rely upon how the circumstance is affecting you
While there's presently no remedy for ME/CFS, there are remedies which could help you control the condition.
There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. The most disruptive or disabling symptoms should be addressed first.
Medications
Some problems associated with chronic fatigue syndrome can be treated with either prescription or over-the-counter medications. Some of these problems include:
Depression.Many people with long-term health problems, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, are also depressed. Treating your depression can make it easier for you to cope with the problems associated with this condition. Low doses of some antidepressants can also help improve sleep and alleviate pain.
Orthostatic intolerance.Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome find it difficult to stand or sit upright because of the medications they take to regulate their blood pressure or heart rhythms.
Pain. If over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen don't help, sometimes prescription drugs used to treat fibromyalgia might be options. These include pregabalin, duloxetine, amitriptyline, or gabapentin. This is a medication called Neurontin.
Therapy
People with chronic fatigue syndrome may benefit from:
Counseling.Talking with a counselor can help improve coping skills, address limitations at work or school, and improve family dynamics in response to chronic illness. It can also be helpful for managing depression.
Addressing sleep problems.Not getting enough sleep can make other symptoms more difficult to deal with. Your doctor might suggest avoiding caffeine or changing your bedtime routine.Sleep apnea can be treated with a machine that provides air pressure through a mask while you sleep.
Exercise.Exercise regimens that are very intense at the beginning may cause worse symptoms, but continuing activities that are tolerable is important to prevent deconditioning. Starting exercise at a very low intensity and gradually increasing it over time may be helpful in improving long-term function.
feeling very tired after any type of physical activity
Chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers experience an increase in their symptoms after physical, mental, or emotional effort. This is called post-exertional malaise and it can last for a few days or weeks after the exertion.
People who experience post-exertional fatigue often have a hard time finding a good balance between activity and rest. The goal is to remain active without overexerting oneself.
It may be helpful to keep a daily record of your activities and symptoms so you can determine how much activity is too much for you. This may help you avoid pushing yourself too hard on the days you feel good, which can lead to a crash where you feel much worse later.
Alternative medicine
There's not much evidence that alternative therapies like herbal products and supplements work to treat chronic fatigue syndrome. Patients with this condition may be sensitive to standard medications, so treatments that are expensive or risky should never be used. Do not eat.
Coping and support
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder that varies from person to person. Emotional support and counseling can help you and your loved ones deal with the uncertainties and restrictions of this illness.
Joining a support group may be therapeutic for you if you have chronic fatigue syndrome. You should not automatically decide that a support group is the best option for you, and you should use your own judgment to determine if joining a group is right for you. You are the one who is reading this.
- Healthy foods for the musculoskeletal system
- Rehabilitation program and health tips for the musculoskeletal system
Preparing for your appointment
If you have signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, you'll likely see your family doctor or a general practitioner. It can be difficult to understand everything during an appointment, so you might want to bring a friend or family member with you. It is important to have someone else hear this information so that you can remember it better if needed.
What you can do
Before your appointment, you may want to write down a list that includes: -What you want to discuss -What medications you are taking -Any allergies you have -Any medical conditions you have
Your signs and symptoms.Make sure to tell your doctor about all of your symptoms, even if you are tired.
Key personal information.Stress can have a big impact on your physical health. Recent changes or big stressors in your life can be responsible for this.
Health information.Tell me any other conditions for which you are being treated, and the names of any medications you are taking, such as vitamins or supplements.
Questions to ask your doctor.When you visit the doctor, it is helpful to have questions prepared in advance. This will save you time and energy.
Some basic questions to ask your doctor if you have chronic fatigue syndrome include:
What are the possible causes of why I am experiencing the symptoms or condition I am experiencing?
What tests do you recommend?
If the tests that I take don't identify the cause of my symptoms, what other tests might I need?
How would you make a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome?
Can there be any treatments or changes to my lifestyle that would help me now?
Can I take any printed materials with me? What websites do you think I should visit?
What type of activity level should I aim for while we're seeking a diagnosis?
Can I see a mental health provider too?
Please feel free to ask questions during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will likely ask you a number of questions, such as:
What are your symptoms and when did they start?
Do any of the things in this passage make your symptoms better or worse?
Do you have difficulty remembering things or staying focused?
Are you having trouble sleeping?
How often do you feel down or anxious?
How severely do your symptoms limit your ability to function? For example, have you ever had to miss school or work due to your symptoms?
What have you tried so far to treat this condition? How has it worked for you?
General summary
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) also called myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a multi-system disease characterized by extreme fatigue post-exertional malaise and other symptoms that limit a person's ability to carry out ordinary daily activities Some people with CFS have symptoms for less than six months; others may have symptoms for several years The cause of CFS has not been identified nor is there any known cure Treatment of CFS includes cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise therapy.
is a disorder that is characterized by a continuous feeling of extreme tiredness The person suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome will often experience all of the following: * Fatigue lasting at least six months even after rest or sleep * Impaired physical and mental function * Unrefreshing sleep * General pain not linked to any underlying condition or illness.