What you should know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 23 June 2022

Mayo Clinic defines chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID), as a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue lasting at least six months and not fully explained by an underlying medical condition. The fatigue is exacerbated by physical or mental activity and does not improve with rest. This symptom is called post-exertional malaise (PEM) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other symptoms include difficulty thinking and concentrating, as well as pain and dizziness. According to an Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, ME/CFS affects between 836,000 and 2.5 million Americans. The majority of them, however, have not been diagnosed.

The causes of CFS are currently unknown. According to Stacy Sampson, some theories include viral infection, psychological stress, or a combination of factors. Because no single cause has been identified, and because many other conditions produce similar symptoms, CFS can be difficult to diagnose. CFS has no diagnostic tests. When determining a diagnosis, your doctor will need to rule out other possible causes of your fatigue. CFS was once a contentious diagnosis, but it is now widely recognized as a medical condition. CFS can strike anyone, but it is most common in women in their forties and fifties. Although there is currently no cure, treatment can help to alleviate symptoms.

CFS has an unknown cause. According to Stacy Sampson, researchers believe viruses, a weakened immune system, stress, and hormonal imbalances are contributing factors. It's also possible that some people are predisposed to CFS genetically. Though CFS has been linked to viral infections, no single infection has been identified as the cause of CFS. Infections caused by viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 6, Ross River virus (RRV), and rubella virus, have also been studied in relation to CFS. Infections caused by bacteria, such as Coxiella burnetii and Mycoplasma pneumonia, have also been studied in relation to CFS.

CFS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), could be the culmination of several different conditions rather than a single one. In fact, one out of every ten people infected with EBV, Ross River virus, or Coxiella burnetii will develop a condition that meets the CFS diagnostic criteria. Furthermore, those who have had severe symptoms from any of these three infections are at a higher risk of developing CFS later on, according to researchers. Chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms differ from person to person, and the severity of symptoms varies day to day. Fatigue, memory or concentration problems, sore throat, headaches, enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits, unexplained muscle or joint pain, dizziness that worsens when moving from lying down or sitting to standing, unrefreshing sleep, and extreme exhaustion after physical or mental exercise are all signs and symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic. Many illnesses, such as infections or psychological disorders, can cause fatigue. If you have persistent or excessive fatigue, you should see your doctor.

CFS currently has no specific treatment. Since each person's symptoms are unique, different treatments may be required to manage the disorder and alleviate symptoms. To come up with the best treatment, Stacy Sampson recommends working with your healthcare team. She also recommends that you make some lifestyle changes to help alleviate your symptoms. Caffeine consumption should be limited or eliminated to improve sleep and alleviate insomnia. Nicotine and alcohol should also be limited or avoided. If napping during the day is affecting your ability to sleep at night, try to avoid it. Make a sleep schedule. Every night, go to bed at the same time and try to wake up at the same time every day.

Despite increased research efforts, CFS remains a complicated illness with no clear cause or cure. To adapt to your chronic fatigue, you'll probably need to make some lifestyle changes. You may experience depression, anxiety, or social isolation as a result. As you make decisions and transition, you might find that joining a support group is beneficial. Because everyone's CFS progresses differently, it's critical to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. Working with a group of healthcare providers has many advantages. Doctors, therapists, and rehabilitation specialists are examples.

PNFP Marie-Claire Gaas, RND

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