A Brief Analysis of The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) manifests itself as a feeling of extreme tiredness or fatigue that doesn’t seem to go away and is present without any underlying medical condition. Chronic fatigue syndrome is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).
The causes of CFS are not properly known yet. It is, in fact, difficult to diagnose because a host of other diseases can produce similar symptoms. There is also no proper test to diagnose the condition. The physician will have to rule out other conditions to properly identify chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The diagnosis of this condition was previously controversial. However, not it is accepted as a medical condition. Although it can affect anyone, women in their 40s and 50s are mostly affected.
Causes:
The exact cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is not yet known. Few of the contributing factors are:
● Viruses
● An immune system that is not strong
● Stress
● Hormonal imbalance
A genetic component may also play a part in the development of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may also develop after a viral infection. Some types of viral infections that might cause chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are Epstein Bar Virus (EBV), Human herpesvirus 6, Ross River virus (RRV) and rubella.
Infections caused by bacteria like Coxiella burnetii and mycoplasma pneumonia have also been related to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition to this, people who have been suffering from three of these infections severely are at a greater risk of developing CFS as compared to others.
Although in some patients of CFS, the immune system is said to be no longer stable; the only weakened system is not enough to cause the disorder. In fact, in patients of CFS altered hormone levels are also seen. However, it is yet not definite whether it alone can cause the disorder or not.
The risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome are as follows:
● It is most common in women who are in their 40s and 50s.
● Men in 40s and 50s are also likely to develop the disorder.
● Other factors that act as risk factors for CFS are genetic predisposition, allergies, stress, and environmental factors.
Symptoms:
There are a lot of symptoms that present itself in a complex manner when it comes to CFS. It is important to assess all the symptoms before making a diagnosis carefully. Doctors mainly focus on marking out the core symptoms. Use symptom tracker to track symptoms. The main symptoms of CFS are:
Fatigue:
Fatigue is a continuous loss of energy. It is the reduced ability to perform a task due to fatigue that was once easily performed by the patient. The fatigue lasts for a duration of 6 months or so. It would also include feeling unmotivated persistently. Sleep does not replenish lost energy as it would in a healthy individual. In fact, it would make situations worse in some patients. The fatigue could interfere with daily life.
Post-exertional malaise:
Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is another symptom of CFS. PEM is the worsening of symptoms that take place after physical or mental exertion. When a person who has chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) exerts too much of himself mentally or physically, their symptoms worsen. Recovering from this extreme exhaustion becomes difficult. Pushing oneself at this point could be harmful to the body. Therefore patients with CFS must avoid overexerting themselves.
Sleep disorders:
It is common for people with CFS to experience sleep disorders. It is common for them to wake up tired even after a whole night’s sleep. Other sleep disorders affecting these people are:
● Insomnia, which makes it difficult for them to fall or stay asleep.
● Hypersomnia or excessive sleep.
● Sleep apnea, which makes breathing difficult while they’re asleep.
● Light sleep, which means that the person never enters deep stages of sleep.
● Fragmented sleep which causes the person to wake up and fall back asleep for short periods
● Phase shifting, where a person falls asleep only after sunrise
● Involuntary spasms in limbs or restless legs while sleeping
● Nightmares that disrupt sleep, also known as night sweats
Along with these primary symptoms, some other symptoms are also common. The other symptoms that are common in patients of CFS are enumerated below.
Cognitive impairment:
Cognitive impairment means difficulty in the thought process. People with cognitive impairment have a problem with remembering things. Keeping up with conversations is difficult for them. Thinking and problem solving also get difficult for them.
Orthostatic intolerance:
Sitting down from lying position may cause dizziness and lightheadedness in these people. Their vision could also get blurred.
Track other symptoms of CFS would include headaches, cramps, pain in body parts, soreness in muscle, rashes, anxiety, high-stress levels, numbness, hair loss, weight changes, and palpitation.
Diagnosis:
There is no such definitive diagnostic procedure. CFS is diagnosed by eliminating the chances of other disorders. However, researches are being carried on to find out a definitive laboratory test. In recent times, there are no laboratory tests to confirm CFS. Presently, the diagnostic procedure is along with the one, which includes eliminating other conditions.
Treatment:
There is no such definite treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. Individual symptoms are managed to lessen the discomfort of the patient. The treatment plan generally depends on the development of symptoms in the patients.
It has also been seen that patients with CFS are extremely sensitive to chemicals and medications. Any medication might cause an unwanted reaction in these patients. Therefore low doses are preferred, and any side effect is closely monitored. Certain experimental drugs like Rituximab and Ampligen may help to treat CFS. Use symptom tracker.
Lifestyle changes are also to be incorporated. It is important for a person with CFS to plan his activity levels. They should avoid activities that will drain them or even give up activities involving exertion. They can also opt for therapy to find coping mechanisms. Relaxation activities like meditation can also help. A well-balanced diet, along with specific nutritional supplements, is imperative to their well being.
