Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an illness of unknown origin. It can take place after an infectious illness, but that is not always the case. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a mysterious illness that is characterized by an extreme case of fatigue of which sleep does not come easy or that the sufferer does not get enough of. This syndrome is often mistaken for depression or vice versa. Even after the amount of hours that a normal person usually requires, the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome victim is still tired. This illness has been tied with brain abnormalities, usually found in the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus controls hormones and vital functions in the body. The pituitary gland secretes hormones that control homeostasis of the body.
Sudden onset is generally noted in the victim of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and symptoms must be present for six months to consider this as a diagnosis. It usually follows the path of an infection or of a traumatic event to the body either physically or psychologically speaking. Some sufferers have noted a gradual onset.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome duration can last from several months to several years. Most do not regain their optimal health.
Genetic defects in energy making cells are linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Women, ages 25 to 45, have twice t
he incidence of being afflicted with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. However, no one is exempt from this illness.
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are noted to be extreme tiredness for which sleeping does not satisfy the individual. An additional four of the following symptoms must also be observed for a good six months. These symptoms include a sore throat, swollen glands, aches and pains involving the muscles, joint tenderness without discoloration or edema, difficulty concentrating, head discomfort, and illness after exerting oneself. Other symptoms can present themselves as well, however, it is based on the individual and not a group. The first one to two years are noted to be the most difficult in terms of symptom suffering.
Having this illness predisposes someone to a higher incidence of depression due to decreased energy caused by lack of sleep and/or sleep disturbances. There is no conclusive testing to determine this illness, but rather a diagnosis remains based on symptomatology instead. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is linked to hypotension, as well as other disorders.
A person who suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome will be administered various laboratory testing, as well as a tilt-table test which detects hypotension values.
Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is difficult, as the cause of this illness is not known. General forms of treatment include exercise, learning how to use one’s energy in an effective manner, pain and allergy treatment, as well as taking part in new techniques. It is in these experimental treatments that help a doctor to obtain new and better ways to manage the challenges of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
If you suspect Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and are experiencing any of the above symptoms it is best to see your primary care physician as soon as possible to determine the appropriate method of treatment for your health.
Resources:
MayoClinic: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/DS00395/DSECTION=symptoms
National Institutes of Health Public Access: Illness Duration and Coping Style in Chronic Fatigue Sydnrome
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3036543/
Centers for disease Control and Prevention: Chronic Fatigue syndrome
http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/
University of Maryland Medical Center: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/chronic-fatigue-syndrome
NHS Choices: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Chronic-fatigue-syndrome/Pages/Treatment.aspx
KidsHealth: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/bones/cfs.html
American Dental Association: Chronic Fatigue syndrome
http://www.ada.org/2621.aspx?currentTab=2
American Psychological Association: A Twin Study of Cognitive Function in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
http://www.cfids-cab.org/MESA/Claypoole.pdf
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