Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

When you always feel unexplainably tired that you can’t even complete or finish your daily task or work, you might be suffering from a complicated condition called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

It is also called CFS. It is characterized by extreme fatigue that does not improve with bed rest and may worsen with physical or mental activity. The condition may develop after a bout of flu or virus infection or viral syndrome (example: common cold, shingles, chickenpox, hepatitis, etc.), although it can happen even if you have not been sick. CFS is hard to diagnose, but the symptoms related to the condition are treatable or manageable.

How does one get CFS?

While related to a previous systemic condition, as said, the Flu, for example, fatigue pointing to CFS may just come suddenly. In some cases, fatigue occurs gradually. Because fatigue is a vague sign or symptom, you might just take it for granted. Fatigue can persist for weeks and months and still, you might take it lightly.

Experts describe CFS as a Flu-like condition. People who are previously healthy may experience a variety of symptoms (feeling weak, body aches and pains, etc.). Diagnosing the condition may not be clear at all. It is something mysterious! Your doctor might request for tests and examinations and when everything turned out to be within normal, CFS is labeled on you. It is a “diagnosis by exclusion.” Women are diagnosed with CFS two to four times as often as are men.

What happens if you have CFS?

People with CFS have trouble getting out of bed and they need help with basic activities, such as dressing, eating, and bathing. Some people with CFS are unable to do basic chores of living, while some have to cut down on social and recreational activities because they just don’t feel well doing them. Some patients with CFS are able to maintain a job and carry out job responsibilities but they are unusually tired and have a ‘wasted’ feeling after their tasks for the day are done.

Treatment

Lifestyle changes: Avoid being overworked. Slow down.

Gradual but steady exercise: Start a graduated exercise program wherein physical activity gradually increases.

See a professional: You might be suffering from depression. Visit your doctor.

Treatment of existing pain: Acetaminophen and non-steroidal pain relievers might help.

Treatment of related medical conditions, such as allergy, high blood pressure, or diabetes might help in the treatment of CFS.