Concerned About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an new disease with debilitating fatigue and extreme weakness. It is also known as chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS). Persistent and debilitating fatigue can be cited as the primary symptoms of CFS. The actual cause for this disease is still unknown to the medical fraternity. People with Chronic fatigue syndrome are unable to perform tasks such as walking, eating or dressing. They are not able to perform simple and normal activities. Many doctors doubted the existence of this disease and regarded it as a psychological condition, even though the disease has been around since 1700. It is indeed a physical illness.
It is very hard to distinguish between general tiredness and chronic fatigue syndrome. But, there are few guidelines to follow. Chronic fatigue syndrome is not the same as “Chronic fatigue”. The symptoms of fatigue are commonly seen in many diseases, but chronic fatigue syndrome is a multi systemic illness, which is rarely seen. The duration of chronic fatigue syndrome varies from 24 hours to many years. The symptoms of this disease includes unexplained muscle soreness, recurring headache, sore throat, difficulty in concentration, trouble sleeping, temporary memory loss, mental impairment, tender lymph nodes and weakness that lasts longer than one day. Symptoms normally vary from one person to another and will tend to wax and wane overtime.
Chronic fatigue syndrome does seem to be found with more women than men of all racial and ethnic groups. Most patients are between the age group 20-40. This illness is estimated to be less prevalent in adolescents and children. According to a study conducted in 1999, 4 per 1000 adults are affected by this disease. It is an unpredictable disease and the patients are unaware on how to improve their lives. The degree of severity differs among the patients, with few are able to perform and others are completely housebound.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a health condition which appears to have no known cause. These patients lead a miserable life. The major symptom of CFS is the fatigue, which lasts more than 6 months. In few cases, patients don’t recover from this illness and suffer relapses throughout their lives. Recent researches and studies on this disease indicate that oxidative stress of the body may be a cause for chronic fatigue syndrome. The study suggests the use of antioxidants to control the symptoms of CFS effectively. Medicines used normally alleviate symptoms of the disease, rather than cure the disease. Chronic fatigue syndrome cannot be fully alleviated by medicines or rest. One particular therapy may not be useful for this disease; hence doctors recommend different therapies and management options based on symptoms, lifestyle and personal health history.
Important Note: While the information contained in this article is provided in good faith, we always recommend you consult a qualified doctor or physician. Your doctor can provide you professional advice for your particular situation.
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