Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex of symptoms that may be related. The syndrome is not well understood. The main symptom is overwhelming fatigue that lasts for at least 6 months and interferes with daily living.

Most people with CFS are middle-class, 20- to 40-year-old adults. The syndrome seems to especially affect young, well-educated women. However, men and women of all ages can have CFS.

How does it occur?

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not known. We do know that the following conditions may cause some of the symptoms:

• depression
• anxiety
• stress
• allergies
• infections such as Epstein-Barr virus, infectious mononucleosis, Lyme disease, and AIDS
• problems with the body's immune system
• rheumatic diseases
• certain disorders of the nervous system
• anemia
• hormone problems, such as diseases of the thyroid and pituitary glands and diabetes

Some medications may also cause symptoms of chronic fatigue.

What are the symptoms?

Physical symptoms of CFS may include:

• overwhelming exhaustion, fatigue, or weakness that lasts longer than 6 months
• mild fever
• sore throat
• chills and night sweats
• swollen or tender lymph nodes
• muscle weakness, aches, and pain
• headache
• joint aches and pain
• weight gain or loss
• skin rash
• difficulty being physically active
• dizziness or lightheadedness.

Psychological symptoms of CFS may include:

• confusion
• memory loss
• sleep disturbances
• anxiety
• irritability
• difficulty concentrating
• apathy and depression
• personality changes
• mood swings
• reduced sex drive.

How is it diagnosed?

Many illnesses cause symptoms similar to those of CFS. Your health care provider will try to rule out other possible causes of your fatigue by asking about your symptoms and giving you a complete physical exam. If you have been having fevers but don't have one when you see your provider, you may be asked to record your temperature at home several times a day.

You may have a number of tests, such as urine and blood tests, to check for infections, immune or metabolic diseases, hormone problems, and anemia.

If your provider cannot find a cause for your fatigue, you may be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.

How is it treated?

If your health care provider diagnoses an illness or other cause for your fatigue, treatment of the problem may relieve the fatigue. If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, there is currently no known cure. However, two types of treatment can be helpful: bullet a special exercise program bullet behavior therapy.

The exercise program starts slowly and easily. You increase the amount of exercise very gradually with the goals of increasing your muscle strength and energy. Behavior therapy should focus on the positive (what you are able to do) and help you feel more optimistic as your muscle strength and energy improve.

Your health care provider may prescribe medicine for symptoms such as headache and muscle pain. Ask your doctor about other medications which may help lessen your fatigue and improve your ability to function.

How long will the effects last?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is not well understood or easily treated. You may continue to have the symptoms for months or years. Usually, the symptoms are most severe during the first year. Many people with CFS feel much better within 2 years.

How can I take care of myself?

• Rest as much as possible while you and your health care provider try to treat the illness.
• Follow the treatment prescribed by your health care provider, including recommendations for exercise and counseling.
• To keep yourself as healthy as possible, make other lifestyle changes such as:
• Stop smoking.
• Eat balanced, nutritious meals. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Drink less coffee and alcohol.
• Learn to pace yourself to avoid fatigue. Prioritize your activities each day. Do the most important ones in the morning when your energy level may be higher. Ask for help at home and at work when the load is too great to handle. Take frequent rest breaks during the day to relax or walk around.
• Engage in recreational activities at least once or twice a week.
• Join local support groups. Talking with others who have similar problems can really help.
• Develop and maintain an attitude that things will work out.
• If nothing helps, you may wish to get a second medical opinion.

What can be done to help prevent fatigue?

Keep yourself as healthy as possible. See your health care provider if you have any unusual or persistent body changes or symptoms. This will allow your provider to identify and treat any underlying health problems early and help prevent your fatigue from becoming worse.

Tip

Our practice is focused on interventional pain treatment. In cases of chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia, there might not be many interventional options. Your case will get pre-screened prior to your making an appointment to ascertain if we could offer you any potentially helpful interventional options. When you call please let us know about your pain syndrome.