What is Chronic Fatigue?

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or CFS, is a disease that plagues between one and four million Americans. The exact number is difficult to determine because Chronic Fatigue is often misdiagnosed. It's also masked by other illnesses which can mimic or parallel symptoms.

 

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue

 

Chronic fatigue symptoms can be both mysterious and debilitating. The most profound and notable symptom is fatigue. The fatigue is chronic and life-altering and it is worsened by both physical and mental activity. Fatigue lasts more than six months and is not attributed to another medical diagnosis. Your life is changed when Chronic Fatigue shows up.

 

Other symptoms of chronic fatigue include:

 

·        Short-Term Memory Loss Or Reduction

·        Difficulty Concentrating

·        Sore Throat

·        Tender Lymph Nodes

·        General Muscle Pain;

·        Multi-Joint Pain

·        Headaches

·        Insomnia Or Poor Sleep

·        Malaise

 

So what causes Chronic Fatigue?

 

Unfortunately, not much is known about the causes of Chronic Fatigue. Some researchers suspect it may be a virus and therefore contagious. However, presently, there is no evidence to suggest this. They do know that it generally attacks certain types of people, including:

 

·        Women tend to get CFS more than men. (Though this may be simply because they go to the doctor for it, whereas men may not be willing to see a physician because they're tired)

·        It occurs most often in people in their 40s and 50s.

·        The truth is that CFS can attack men, women, adults, children, and any race, income level, or geographic area. Hereditary and genetic factors have yet to be found.

 

Chronic Fatigue Treatment

 

If you've had the above symptoms and debilitating fatigue for several weeks, particularly after exertion, you must go to the doctor to get a diagnosis. There is a treatment for Chronic Fatigue. Because there is no cure for Chronic Fatigue, treatment suggestions will vary. Physicians will take a combined approach and treat the symptoms and help sufferers with a lifestyle change.

 

Common treatments include:

 

·        Counseling to develop coping skills

 

·        Treating symptoms like headache, sore throat, and muscle pains

 

·        Cognitive behavior therapy helps develop habits to manage symptoms, including exercise and diet...

 Alternative therapies. Some patients have found relief with hands-on therapies like massage and even yoga.

 

If you suffer from Chronic Fatigue, you know it's life-altering. Chronic fatigue doesn't have to define you or your life. However, there are fundamental strategies you can use to improve your life and function at a higher level. 

Support groups, the medical community, and lifestyle changes can all offer an improved life. If you suspect you may be suffering from chronic fatigue, visit your doctor and get a diagnosis so you can start taking steps to get your life back.