What is chronic
fatigue syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) also known as ME (Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis) is a condition that causes fatigue,
which is severe enough that it interferes with a person's ability to
participate in normal work, recreation or social activities. The condition
has been classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a disease
of the nervous system.
There is an estimated 150,000 people in the UK who are
affected by CFS.
What
causes chronic
fatigue syndrome?
No
one really knows what causes chronic fatigue syndrome and no specific
cause has been found.
The
symptoms may be caused by an immune
system that isn't working well or by some kind of viral infection
like the herpes virus, glandular
fever or the flu.
You may also be more susceptible if you suffer with depression. Chronic
fatigue syndrome affects 3 times more women than men and the illness
strikes most commonly in the 20-40 age group though children can also
be affected.
What are the
symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?
The most common symptom of CFS is severe fatigue or exhaustion,
unlike any other tiredness experienced before and it is not relieved
by rest. This fatigue can come on gradually or suddenly and last for
several months or longer. Others symptoms can be present but these can
vary with each person, they may include:
- Frequent sore throats
- Muscle aches and pains, without swelling or
redness
- Poor concentration and memory
- Abdominal pain
- Sweating, shivering or feeling cold
- Headaches
- Mood swings or depression
- Tender or painful lymph
nodes in the neck or armpits
- Trouble sleeping or disturbed
sleep patterns.
How is chronic fatigue
syndrome diagnosed?
There is no actual
test for CFS and so confirmation of the illness may take some time and
it is important that a diagnosis is only made after other well known
and recognised illnesses have been excluded, such as anaemia or thyroid
problems. To exclude other illnesses your
doctor may carry out a physical examination and carry out some urine
and blood tests. Your doctor may also suggest you have some x-rays and
a brain scan.
How is chronic fatigue syndrome treated?
There is no actual cure for CFS though some of the symptoms such as muscle aches, sleep problems and depression
can be treated with medicine. Your doctor may prescribe a low dose anti-depressant,
which has been known to help some people with CFS. Symptoms
may also be eased by relaxation therapies, such as yoga. Doctors
also recommend that you eat a well balanced
diet, rich in fruit and vegetables.
There is also good evidence that a form of rehabilitation
called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps people with CFS manage
better on a day to day basis. The therapy is aimed at changing negative
attitudes and teaching you to think more constructively.
What treatment works well for one patient might be
ineffective for others or even make them feel worse. Your doctor will
help you decide what treatments are best for you.
Living with chronic fatigue syndrome
The symptoms you experience with CFS can change from day
to day and certain factors can aggravate the illness. For example, too
much physical or mental effort can make things worse.
You need to be flexible and adjust your lifestyle to
help you to live with the condition. At the onset of CFS a period of
bed rest may be necessary though you should try to get out of bed at
least once a day even if it is just to sit in a chair. You should then
gradually increase your activity level, see how much you can manage
without causing a relapse. Try to pace your activities so that you can
rest in between. You should also avoid the urge to try and complete
tasks in one go.
The long term outlook for people with CFS varies and is
unpredictable, some people will improve and recover gradually between
6 months and a year, while others experience a long-term pattern of
recovery and relapse.
Related topics
Anaemia
Glandular
Fever
Influenza
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