Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also called CFS, is a big cause for worry. In fact, a patient must meet certain criteria in order to be given a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Some patients may find it hard to get a diagnosis because the rules for making a diagnosis are very specific. The fatigue must have happened for at least six months in a row, and the other symptoms must have come after the fatigue. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers will understand it better if they know what it is, what its symptoms are, and how it can be treated.
What is long-term tiredness?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not much easier to deal with when you know what it is. The syndrome has symptoms like weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, lethargy, trouble sleeping, fever, and even swollen lymph nodes. No one knows what causes it. There is no known reason why a person is tired that has nothing to do with overwork and can't be fixed by resting.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have already been talked about. There is, however, a long list. There are some signs that patients are very aware of, and other signs that only doctors seem to notice. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a common diagnosis when symptoms last for a long time without a clear cause and don't seem to go away on their own.
Some of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome's most common symptoms are:
-Muscle Aches
-Persistent Fatigue
-Intermittent Fatigue
-Depression
-Tiredness
-Headache
-Swollen Lymph nodes
-Depression
-Loss of Memory
-Weakness
-It's hard to concentrate
Joint Pain
People often get Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after being sick, when they are under a lot of stress, or for no apparent reason at all. Many people have noticed that CFS comes on after they've had the flu, mono, a cold, bronchitis, hepatitis, or another similar illness. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is bad because it lasts for months, sometimes coming and going and sometimes making the person feel tired all the time. Other illnesses get better after a few days or weeks, but Chronic Fatigue Syndrome doesn't get better and no one knows why.
Diagnosing Long-Term Tiredness
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is hard for doctors to figure out. Because so many of its signs and symptoms are also signs of other illnesses. Before giving a diagnosis, many doctors like to see patients with the same symptoms that started after the fatigue for at least six months. People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome find it hard to deal with their symptoms and the fact that they can't get a quick diagnosis. Before diagnosing Chronic Fatigue, doctors like to rule out diseases like Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, and others.
Also, researchers and doctors are learning more about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and are more likely than ever before to be able to make a diagnosis with less symptoms. That doesn't mean it's easy to diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, because it's not. But more people know about Chronic Fatigue and new definitions are helping doctors and people with it every day.
Choices for treatments
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be treated in many different ways, both with and without prescription drugs.
Some alternative ways to treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are to stay away from stress and do light exercise. Massage, aquatic therapy, chiropractic therapy, yoga, self-hypnosis, tai chi, and even acupuncture are some other treatments that work for some people. Psychotherapy has also helped people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome because it teaches them how to deal with their symptoms.
The FDA has not approved any treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that can be given by prescription. There are, however, other prescription drugs that are used to treat Chronic Fatigue symptoms. Often, the main reason to take a medicine is not its main purpose. Instead, it is the side effects that help people with Chronic Fatigue. People with CFS are often given medicines like antifungals, antidepressants, antivirals, cardiac drugs, antihistamines, immunoglobulins, corticoids, anti-inflammatories, and anti-convulsants, among others.
Do You Have CFS?
If you have some of the above symptoms for months on end and think you might have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Keep a record of your symptoms, when they started, and if any new ones show up. This will help your doctor figure out what's wrong and give you relief from your symptoms faster.
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