Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
What is it?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition whose
main symptom is extreme fatigue that lasts for six months
or longer, in combination with symptoms ranging from joint
pain to loss of concentration. Syndromes are illnesses
that consists of a group of symptoms that occur together
but don’t necessarily have the same cause. CFS may also be
called myalgic encephalomyelitis, post-viral fatigue
syndrome, Epstein-Barr disease, or chronic fatigue and
immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS). Because it tends to
occur in middle-income young adults, it has also been
called the Yuppie flu.
Who gets it?
CSF is diagnosed more often in women than in men,
possibly because women are more likely than men to discuss
their symptoms with a doctor. However, this condition has
been reported in people of all ages, races, and
socioeconomic classes. Most people diagnosed with CFS are
in the 20 to 40 age range.
What causes it?
Doctors have been unable to find one single cause of
CSF. Many patients with CSF have high levels of antibodies
to the Epstein-Barr virus, as well as other viruses, in
their blood. Epstein-Barr causes mononucleosis. However,
many healthy people also have high levels of Epstein-Barr
antibodies. So, it is possible, but not conclusive, that a
virus or group of viruses may trigger CFS. Other possible
causes include allergies, chemical toxins, anemia (low
iron levels), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), high stress
levels, or immune disorders. While living with the
symptoms of CSF may cause depression, most researchers do
not believe that it is caused by a psychological disorder.
What are the symptoms?
People with CSF experience fatigue so severe that they
are unable to carry out normal day-to-day activities. This
fatigue may be constant, or may come and go. Other
symptoms can include joint and muscle pain; swollen,
painful lymph nodes; low-grade fever; sore throat;
headache; persistent fatigue even after a full-night’s
sleep; extreme fatigue after exercise; inability to
concentrate; and short-term memory loss. Studies have
shown that some patients have an abnormality in blood
pressure regulation, causing light-headedness and
fainting.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose CFS, your doctor will take a complete
medical history and perform a thorough physical
examination. He or she will also perform a neurological
examination and order laboratory tests to rule out other
possible causes of your symptoms. CSF is diagnosed only
when any other causes can be ruled out and symptoms of
unexplained, severe fatigue have occurred for six months
or longer in combination with at least four of the other
typical CSF symptoms.
What is the treatment?
There is currently no cure for CFS. The goal of
treatment is to reduce or relieve symptoms so you can
participate in normal daily activities. Your doctor will
recommend that you follow a common-sense regimen of
moderate daily exercise, balanced diet, and rest. He or
she may also recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, to reduce fever and
relieve joint and muscle pain. Patients experiencing
depression may also benefit from low doses of
antidepressants or antianxiety drugs. Drugs that help the
body regulate blood pressure and boost the immune system
may also be prescribed. Ask your doctor about nutritional
supplements that may help boost your immune system and
improve your mental functions. Some people also report
significant improvements from alternative treatments such
as biofeedback, yoga, meditation, and acupuncture.
Self-care tips
There is no known way to prevent CFS because a specific
cause has not been found. If you have been diagnosed with
CFS, follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations. Try
to avoid stressful situations, and seek the help of a
therapist if you are troubled by depression and anxiety
because of your condition.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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