Chronic Fatigue or CFS is characterized by extreme fatigue or tiredness that does not improve after rest. It is still unclear what causes CFS. Several theories speculate about the causes of the disease, including viral infection, psychological stress, or a combination of the two. Neither theory has been scientifically proven.

CFS can be difficult to diagnose because it has no identifiable cause and symptoms similar to many other conditions. CFS cannot be diagnosed with a test. To determine what is causing your fatigue, your doctor must rule out other causes.

CFS diagnosis was controversial in the past, but now it is widely accepted.

The most common victims of CFS are women, but anyone in their 40s and 50s can be affected. Find out about the symptoms, treatment options, and outlook for CFS here.

What Causes CFS?

It is not known what causes CFS. It has been speculated that the following factors may contribute to the problem:

• Viral infections
• Immune system weakness
• Anxiety
• A hormonal imbalance

Genetic predispositions can also cause CFS-

Infections can sometimes cause CFS, but no one type of infection causes it. CFS has been associated with viral infections caused by:

• EBV
• HHV-6

There is also evidence that CFS is associated with bacterial infections, such as Coxiella burnetii and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

CFS is more likely to develop in those who have experienced severe symptoms from one or more of these three infections.

CFS can occur in people with weakened immune systems, but the exact cause is unknown.

It is also possible for people with CFS to have abnormal hormone levels. Also, doctors have yet to determine whether this is significant.

Symptoms

A variety of bodily systems and functions can be affected by ME/CFS. Due to CFS's similar symptoms to other illnesses, it isn't easy to diagnose. The following symptoms characterize CFS:

Reduced ability to perform previously possible activities

It is common for ME/CFS sufferers to suffer from fatigue that interferes with their ability to function daily.

The Fatigue:

• Is severe
• does not improve with rest

It must last at least 6 months for ME/CFS to be diagnosed.

Post-Exertional Malaise

Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is characterized by a feeling of “crash” after physical or mental exertion.

They may have new symptoms or worsening symptoms of PEM, such as:

• Thinking problems
• Sleeping problems
• Throat pain
• Migraines
• Feeling dizzy
• tiredness

A Sleep Disorder

You can suffer from a variety of sleep disorders. Despite feeling sleepy, the person may not be able to sleep or might not feel refreshed after sleeping. It is possible for them to experience:

• Dreaming deeply and vividly
• Feeling restless
• Muscle spasms at night
• Apnea during sleep

Is There a Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

Some symptoms of CFS can be managed or treated, but the disease cannot be cured or treated. You might begin by practicing good sleep habits in the case of sleep problems.

The idea of "pushing and crashing" should not be followed. It can happen if you are feeling better, but you do too much and then get worse.

Support from family members and friends is crucial if you have CFS; developing a treatment plan and taking care of yourself can be difficult.

Before trying a new treatment, you should consult your doctor. It can be dangerous and unproven with some of the treatments promoted as CFS cures.

Medications

It is possible to improve some chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms with certain medicines. Here are some examples:

• Orthostatic intolerance

Chronic fatigue syndrome patients, especially adolescents, sometimes feel sick or faint when standing or sitting upright. Blood pressure and heart rhythm medications may be helpful.

• Depression

A chronic health problem such as chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with depression. You can cope with chronic disease problems better if you treat your depression. A low dose of some antidepressants can also relieve pain and improve sleep.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

If you have mild or moderate ME/CFS, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be beneficial to you.

CBT aims to change your thinking and behavior to manage chronic fatigue syndrome

CBT treatment will be provided on a one-on-one basis by a therapist who has experience with CFS.

Using CBT for CFS does not imply that it is a psychological disorder.

Changes in Lifestyle and Home Remedies:

It may be necessary for you to make some lifestyle changes. It may help you reduce CFS symptoms.

Limiting or eliminating caffeine consumption can improve your sleep and ease insomnia. 

Sleeping at night will be affected if you nap during the day.

Set up a routine for sleeping. Try to wake up and sleep at the same time every day.

Energy Management

Using energy management, you can maximize your energy level in day-to-day life without aggravating your condition.

Your daily activities may be monitored with a diary or smartphone app.

Exercise programmes have proven to relieve some people's symptoms of ME/CFS. It also worsened some people's symptoms or didn't make a difference.

Exercise is highly recommended for people with ME/CFS who think they would benefit from increased activity. It is important to get a customized exercise plan from a health professional (such as a physiotherapist).

CFS sufferers cannot benefit from graded exercise therapy (GET), which aims to increase physical activity gradually.

CFS Risk Factors

The majority of people suffering from CFS are in their 40s and 50s. The probability of a woman getting CFS is four times higher than a man's.

The following factors may also cause CFS:

• Biological predisposition
• Allergic reactions
• Anxiety
• Impact of environment

It can be challenging to live with ME/CFS. People who suffer from fatigue and other physical symptoms may struggle to maintain their daily activities. Lifestyle changes may be required.

It may be helpful to talk to other people with ME/CFS and ask your family and friends for support.

Final Words:

Research efforts have increased, but the cause and cure of CFS remain unclear. CFS has a low recovery rate of only 5%, making it difficult to manage.

You'll likely need to adjust your lifestyle to cope with chronic fatigue. Discussing your treatment plan with your doctor before beginning treatment is important since CFS progresses differently for everyone.

A healthcare team can be beneficial to many people. Specialists such as doctors, therapists, and rehabilitation specialists may be involved in this process.

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