Are you always fatigued, have disturbed sleep, and persistent muscle pain among other symptoms? It could be chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterised by prolonged fatigue which results in noticeable reduction in occupational, social and personal activities. CFS is not a new disorder and the term 'nervous exhaustion' has been applied to symptoms similar to CFS earlier. The disorder mostly affects individuals between 40 to 50 years, with women being more vulnerable, but children and adolescents too can suffer from CFS. Despite different theories to explain the underlying pathophysiology of the syndrome, none has been proven. Research findings suggest the possibility of dysregulation in the interactions between the immune and the nervous systems. CFS may also be triggered by the combination of an inadequate immune system and physical trauma such as a major surgery, or period of high stress. It could also be familial. Fatigue, particularly in women is often attributed to anemia and nutritional deficiencies.
The symptoms The prevalent symptom of CFS is profound fatigue for six months or more; it is not improved by bed rest. It worsens by physical or mental activities. The fatigue of CFS is accompanied by symptoms such as loss of memory or concentration, sleep disturbances, persistent muscle pain, multi-joint pain without swelling or redness, headaches, sore throat, tender lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, and extreme tiredness after exercising. Individuals may also suffer from psychological problems such as depression, mood swings and anxiety. The illness is sometimes difficult to diagnose. There are also no characteristic physical signs or laboratory abnormalities in CFS. Some patients may experience partial or complete remission of symptoms, but symptoms often re-occur. Diagnosis is exclusion of other known conditions with similar symptoms such as hypothyroidism, sleep disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, cancer, autoimmune disease, hormonal disorders, subacute infections, obesity and alcohol or substance abuse. Treatment for CFS This focuses on a combination of approaches for symptomatic relief. This includes diet modification, good sleep, and supervised exercise and medications. Recovery is facilitated by adequate rest. Cognitive behavior therapy and graded exercise programmes are effective approaches in CFS patients. The illness is usually nonprogressive and patients usually improve with treatment. Alternatively, breathing techniques, yoga and tai chi, pranic healing and reiki and massage therapy have proved to be helpful.
The symptoms The prevalent symptom of CFS is profound fatigue for six months or more; it is not improved by bed rest. It worsens by physical or mental activities. The fatigue of CFS is accompanied by symptoms such as loss of memory or concentration, sleep disturbances, persistent muscle pain, multi-joint pain without swelling or redness, headaches, sore throat, tender lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, and extreme tiredness after exercising. Individuals may also suffer from psychological problems such as depression, mood swings and anxiety. The illness is sometimes difficult to diagnose. There are also no characteristic physical signs or laboratory abnormalities in CFS. Some patients may experience partial or complete remission of symptoms, but symptoms often re-occur. Diagnosis is exclusion of other known conditions with similar symptoms such as hypothyroidism, sleep disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, cancer, autoimmune disease, hormonal disorders, subacute infections, obesity and alcohol or substance abuse. Treatment for CFS This focuses on a combination of approaches for symptomatic relief. This includes diet modification, good sleep, and supervised exercise and medications. Recovery is facilitated by adequate rest. Cognitive behavior therapy and graded exercise programmes are effective approaches in CFS patients. The illness is usually nonprogressive and patients usually improve with treatment. Alternatively, breathing techniques, yoga and tai chi, pranic healing and reiki and massage therapy have proved to be helpful.
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