Chronic Fatigue Syndrome #fatigue

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex, chronic illness that affects about 1 million Americans. Women are two to four times more likely than men to be diagnosed with CFS. People with CFS experience a range of symptoms that makes it hard to do the daily tasks that most of us do without thinking — like dressing or bathing. Currently, there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments specific for it. Usually, treatments focus on relieving the symptoms.

What is CFS?

CFS may be diagnosed after six months or more of extreme fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and that may get worse after activities that use physical or mental energy.

Symptoms affect different parts of the body and can include unrefreshing sleep, weakness, muscle and joint pain, problems with concentration or memory, and headaches. Symptoms may be mild to severe. They may come and go, or they may last for weeks, months, or years. They also can happen over time or come on suddenly.

What causes CFS?

Unknown. Many people say it started after a flu-like illness or other infection, such as a cold or stomach bug. It also can follow infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (the virus that causes mononucleosis or “mono”). Some people with ME/CFS report that it started after a time of great physical stress, such as following surgery.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms can come and go or a person may have these symptoms all of the time. The main symptoms include:

• Feeling extremely exhausted for more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise
• Not feeling refreshed after sleeping, or having trouble sleeping
• Having a hard time concentrating, or problems with attention and memory
• Feeling dizzy or faint when sitting up or standing (due to a drop in blood pressure)
• Muscle pain or aches
• Pain or aches in joints without swelling or redness
• Headaches of a new type, pattern, or strength
• Tender lymph nodes in the neck or under the arm
• Sore throat that is constant or goes away and comes back often

Less-common symptoms of include:

• Visual problems (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain)
• Psychological symptoms (irritability, mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety)
• Chills and night sweats
• Low grade fever or low body temperature
• Irritable bowel
• Allergies and sensitivities to foods, odors, chemicals, medications, and sound
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the face, hands, or feet

Symptoms of CFS vary widely from person to person and may be serious or mild. Most symptoms are invisible to others, which can make it hard for friends, family members, and the public to understand the challenges a person with CFS faces. 

How is CFS diagnosed?

Your doctor may:

• Ask you about your physical and mental health.
• Do a physical exam.
• Order lab tests based on your symptoms, such as urine and blood tests, which will tell your doctor if something other than CFS might be causing your symptoms.
• Order tests that check for problems found in people with CFS.
• Classify you as having CFS if:
1. You have the main symptoms of CFS, including extreme fatigue or exhaustion that does not go away and that prevents you from doing the things you want and need to do for you and your family; exhaustion that comes after mental or physical exercise; sleep problems; and pain.

And

2. You have had the extreme fatigue and other symptoms for 6 months or longer (3 months or longer for children and adolescents).

And

3. You and your doctor cannot find another explanation for your symptoms.

The process to make a final diagnosis of CFS can take a long time, so try to be patient. Contact a local university medical school, research center, or one of the resources listed below for help finding a doctor who treats people with CFS.

How is CFS treated?

Right now, there is no cure or FDA-approved treatments for CFS. But, there are things you and your doctor can do to help ease your symptoms. 

Can complementary or alternative medicine help manage the symptoms of CFS?

Some people say that complementary or alternative medicine has helped their CFS symptoms. Keep in mind that many alternative treatments, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies claim to cure CFS, but some might do more harm than good. Talk to your doctor before trying alternative therapies to be sure they’re safe.

What can I do to cope with CFS?

Talking about your feelings with a friend or family member can help. Sometimes it also helps to talk with people who are going through the same thing. Consider joining an CFS support group.

What is the latest research on CFS?

CFS is sometimes seen in members of the same family, perhaps because of a genetic link. Researchers are also testing a variety of treatments for CFS, including anti-viral medications and medications that affect the immune system. Researchers also are looking at ways to help health care providers identify and diagnose CFS more quickly.