Chronic fatigue syndrome: symptoms, causes and treatment
The chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a disease in which the tiredness is continuous that does not improve with the rest and at the same time is intense even to invalidarte to the point of not being able to do the daily tasks.
Some people affected by this syndrome are disabled, unable to get out of bed and unable to leave home. Chronic fatigue syndrome affects in greater number women between the ages of 30 and 50.
The cause for which this symptom appears is not entirely clear, has not yet been discovered, however some causes could trigger this syndrome. Among these possible causes we highlight the following: human herpes virus type 6, Epstein-Barr virus (the cause of the mononucleosis), as a consequence of an inflammation of the nervous system or due to the deficient response of the immune system.
But they are not the only causes, since it also seems to influence genetics, various environmental factors, age or stress.
Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome
The symptoms with which this disease occurs are several although the most prominent and main is the strong fatigue, which at the same time becomes lasting and does not improve even if we do rest.
This fatigue worsens when we perform both mental and physical exercises and stress.
Fatigue is accompanied by other symptoms such as extreme fatigue, muscle aches, joint pains, headache.
In addition to the aforementioned symptoms to detect if it is chronic fatigue syndrome, it is necessary to take into account how tired it is and go to the doctor without delay.
- The tiredness is persistent, lasts more than a day.
- We get tired before the minimum effort.
- Lasts 6 months or more.
- It prevents us from performing our daily tasks.
- If we rest or rest, it does not improve, even if the rest is in bed.
- We notice confusion, it's hard for us to memorize, it's hard for us to concentrate.
- We feel irritable.
- Weakness in muscles
- Pain in muscles and joints.
- We may have a fever of 38ºC.
- Headaches and throat.
To detect that you suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome no tests or specific tests are performed, instead tests are conducted to rule out other diseases or possible causes such as the following:
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Tumors
- Hypothyroidism
- Depression.
- Infections
- Disorders of the immune system.
- Liver disease.
- Renal disease.
- Disease in the heart
To detect if the cause of chronic fatigue could be in any of these diseases the tests that are performed are magnetic resonance of the brain and analytical to make the white blood cell count.
Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome
The chronic fatigue syndrome currently has no cure, no specific treatment, the aim of treatment is to alleviate the symptoms and ensure as much as possible the quality of life of the people who suffer from it.
The medications that are usually prescribed are to relieve pain, fever, anxiety, and depression.
In addition to medications, treatment to relieve chronic fatigue includes:
- Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, yoga, meditation.
- Techniques to improve sleep.
- Techniques to relax the muscles.
- Massages
- Soft exercise
- Cognitive therapies
- Behavioral therapies
Stress is undoubtedly an enemy of this disease and we should as far as possible avoid the situations that predispose us to stress.
To avoid stress and aggravate more the symptoms of chronic fatigue we must learn to listen to our body and follow the rhythm that he can carry, remember that it is not the same and therefore we can not cover everything.
We must divide or divide the daily tasks and not do them all together on the same day. The days when we are tired will avoid the effort. We will respect the moments of rest and sleep. Some people manage to improve themselves and get to recover.
Do not hesitate to go to the doctor at the least symptom of extreme fatigue or intense fatigue that lasts more than a day and does not improve with rest to make us the timely review and other more serious pathologies that can suffer with the same symptoms are ruled out. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.
