How to Recognize Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a health disorder that is characterized by extreme tiredness, fatigue and accompanying symptoms that constantly bother a patient and do not disappear even after rest. The condition cannot be explained by accompanying or underlying health disorders. The issue can be sometimes referred to as systemic exertion intolerance disease or myalgic encephalomyelitis. The causes of the condition have not been completely studied and understood, as in the vast majority of instances, the disorder is triggered by complex reasons. In the past, chronic fatigue syndrome was a controversial diagnosis, but now it is accepted as a debilitating medical condition. Despite the condition can appear in patients of all ages, it is most commonly reported to bother women over 40 years old.
Symptoms and Possible Causes
The severity of the condition and individual health state are the key factors that determine the signs of CFS. However, an average patient diagnosed with this dysfunction will experience:
- Concentration disorders;
- Memory loss;
- Muscle pain;
- Sore throat;
- Chronic insomnia;
- Multi-joint pain without swelling or redness;
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes, etc.
Extreme fatigue and tiredness can also be experienced after mental or physical activities.
As for the reasons of chronic fatigue syndrome development, medical specialists cannot specify a list of possible triggers. However, according to numerous studies, the condition frequently develops as a result of the virus that weakens the immune system. Hormonal imbalance, stress, mental problems and a range of other factors can contribute to the problem. CFS can occur after a viral infection, but not a single infection type can be specified to cause the symptoms of the disorder.
If you have got the above-mentioned symptoms, you need to contact your medical specialist in search of the diagnosis and treatment. However, chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that is challenging to diagnose. Since there are no tests or lab procedures to diagnose CFS, a patient should report minimum 4-5 symptoms. Lifestyle changes, home remedies and a range of medications can be recommended in order to eliminate the symptoms of the disorder.
