Chronic Fatigue Article Contributed by: Rachana Arya
introduction
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Patients with this condition are unable to work, go to school, socialize, or manage their families or personal affairs. A person’s financial situation can also be seriously damaged.
Most outsiders mistakenly believe that a person with CFS is “just tired” that the disease “in their minds, ‘or they should’just push through. ‘ This misperception is detrimental as it can cause a person to become beyond their abilities, causing relapses and worsening their illness.
In this blog, we will examine some frequently asked questions about this long-term condition along with the clinical characteristics in patients with CFS and the treatment options available.
FAQ # 1: What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
It is a complex, multi-systemic, chronic disease that is characterized by relentless exhaustion regardless of lengthy periods of rest. Symptoms can worsen with simple physical activities that a person used to take for granted.
FAQ # 2: What is the name of chronic fatigue syndrome?
CFS is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exercise intolerance (SEID).
FAQ # 3: What are the first signs of CFS?
The first signs of this disease are obvious and palpable exhaustion that comes on quickly and often comes and goes or never stops. Bed rest will not help, and physical or mental activity can make the pain worse.
FAQ # 4: Is CFS More Common in Women?
CFS is two to four times more likely to be diagnosed in women than in men. The cause of this condition is unknown, but it may include genetic, psychological, and social factors.
FAQ # 5: Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
A person with this condition will experience severe chronic fatigue (lasting for at least six or more consecutive months) with no other known medical conditions. Other clinical symptoms can include:
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- Sore throat
- Tender lymph nodes
- muscle pain
- Chronic insomnia
- Orthostatic intolerance
- Joint pain without swelling or redness
- Frequent headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
- Significant impairment of memory or concentration
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Post-exertion discomfort that lasts more than 24 hours called post-exertion discomfort (PEM)
FAQ # 6: What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Despite an intensive search, the causes of CFS have not yet been fully clarified. Scientists have been researching chronic fatigue syndrome for many years and speculate that contributing factors may be:
FAQ # 7: Are there any risk factors for CFS?
Research shows that CFS is most common in people between 40 and 50, and women in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be affected than men. Other factors that can increase your risk for CFS include:
FAQ # 8: Is There Any Treatment For CFS?
There is currently no cure for CFS. The therapies used to treat CFS are aimed at relieving symptoms. It is critical to maintaining optimal health through a balanced diet and adequate rest, regular exercise without becoming exhausted, and self-regulating as too much stress can make CFS symptoms worse. Working with a doctor to create a program that offers the most benefits will also help you be less frustrated with your illness.
FAQ No. 9: What alternative therapies are there to manage the symptoms of CFS?
Include non-pharmacological therapies:
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- acupuncture
- Water therapy
- Chiropractic
- Cranial-sacral
- Easy exercise
- massage
- Self hypnosis
- strain
- Tai chi
- Therapeutic touch
- yoga
Certain psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, also help alleviate some of the suffering associated with CFS.
FAQ No. 10: What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Treat CFS?
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- Limiting caffeine intake
- Limit or avoid nicotine and alcohol
- Try to avoid napping during the day
- Create a sleep routine
- Try an anti-inflammatory diet
- Stay hydrated
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid heavily processed foods
FAQ # 11: How is CFS Diagnosed?
Given that there are no tests for CFS, it is a very difficult condition to diagnose. There are no medical tests that can diagnose CFS. Its symptoms mimic many other conditions. Because many people with CFS don’t “seems uncomfortable“Doctors may not be aware that they have a health problem.
CFS is a complicated disease for doctors to diagnose, as no single drug or treatment can treat all possible symptoms. When making a diagnosis, your doctor may do some tests to rule out other medical causes of your tiredness.
Final thoughts
Chronic fatigue syndrome can be difficult for most people. It is important to keep a positive attitude in order to get healthy, listening to your body and not pushing yourself.
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Reference: blog.healthians.com