Get Wonderful Information on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Author: Ricky Hussey
Article:
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is one of several names given to
a poorly understood, highly debilitating disorder of uncertain
cause/causes, which is thought to affect approximately 4 per
1,000 adults. People previously healthy and full of energy may
experience a variety of symptoms, including extreme fatigue,
weakness and headaches as well as difficulty concentrating and
painful joints, muscles and lymph nodes. Typically CFS follows a
viral infection (e.g. cold or viral stomach bug), and is
sometimes found after mononucleosis infections. Non-specific
symptoms of fatigue , tiredness , exhaustion , and aches make
CFS difficult to diagnose and similar to other conditions such
as lupus , multiple sclerosis , fibromyalgia and Lyme disease.
People with CFS are often unable to perform normally at work and
home because of their long-term fatigue and problems with
short-term memory.
Chronic fatigue syndrome affects tens of thousands of people. It
occurs more commonly in females than in males. This condition
occurs most commonly in young to middle-aged adults. People with
CFS are often unable to perform normally at work and home
because of their long-term fatigue and problems with short-term
memory. This can lead to depression, but depression is not a
cause of CFS
Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The cause of CFS is not yet known. Current research is exploring
the possibility that people with CFS may have a dysfunction of
the immune and central nervous systems. Scientists are also
studying various metabolic abnormalities and risk factors
(including genetic predisposition, age, sex, prior illness,
environment, and stress) that may affect the development and
course of the disease.
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome shares symptoms with many other
disorders. Fatigue, for instance, is found in hundreds of
illnesses, and 10% to 25% of all patients who visit general
practitioners complain of prolonged fatigue. A CFS diagnosis
should be considered in patients who present with six months or
more of unexplained fatigue accompanied by other characteristic
symptoms. These symptoms include:
* cognitive dysfunction, including impaired memory or
concentration * postexertional malaise lasting more than 24
hours (exhaustion and increased symptoms) following physical or
mental exercise * unrefreshing sleep
Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The first step is to see if there is any other explainable cause
for your fatigue. Your doctor will probably want to review your
symptoms and medical history, and give you a physical exam. Your
doctor may also want to do some blood tests, but lab testing is
not often helpful in the diagnosis of CFS.
Pacing is an important way of controlling symptoms. It means
finding a balance between activity and rest, and avoiding large
bursts of exercise that may set you back. Learning how to make
the most of your energy can help to increase the amount you can
do.
How can I help myself?
* Keep a daily diary to identify times when you have the most
energy. Plan your activities for these times. * Keep up some
level of activity and exercise, within your abilities. Your
doctor can help you plan an exercise program to maintain your
strength at whatever level is possible. Exercise can help your
body and mind.
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