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common
questions
what
is chronic fatigue syndrome?
what
causes chronic fatigue syndrome?
what
are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?
how is
chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed?
What
is chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition involving extreme
fatigue and numerous other symptoms that is of undetermined
origin. It is considered to be an autoimmune disorder.
It was originally called ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis)
in the United Kingdom. It is sometimes referred to as
'yuppie flu'. It can also be referred to as Chronic
Epstein-Barr Virus or post viral fatigue syndrome.
In order
to be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome you have
to be suffering from extreme unexplained fatigue for
at least six months. It cannot be the result of ongoing
exertion. This tiredness will not be relieved by rest
and inhibits your activity levels. Some of the following
symptoms must also be present:
• impaired
memory/concentration
• sore throat
• muscle pain
• unrefreshed sleep
• swollen lymph nodes
• stiff neck
• headaches
• muscle pain
• pain in mutiple joints
• relapse of symptoms after exercise
However these
are even more symptoms that may be not always be diagnosed
as part of the same problem:
• Sensitivity
or intolerance to alcohol
• Eye/vision problems
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nausea, indigestion
• Hypoglycemia, low blood sugar
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Recurrent low-grade fever
• Heart palpitations
• Weight changes not associated with change in
eating habits
• Muscle, joint pain, stiffness, burning, soreness,
spasms, cramps
• Carpal tunnel syndrome-like pains
• Painful menstrual periods
• Extreme exhaustion
• Sleep Disturbances
• Shortness of breath
• Brain fog
• Impaired attention span
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Sensitivity to temperature changes
• Chemical sensitivities, allergies
• Sensitivity to medicines
What causes chronic fatigue
syndrome?
There does not appear to be one particular factor. However
stress appears to play an important part in aggravating
what could be normally an easily recoverable symptom.
These are possible triggers:
• Viral
infections
• Bacterial infection
• Food bacterial infection
• Parasitic infections
• Yeast or fungus infections
• Allergies
• Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal disfunction
• Chemical imbalances
• Autonomic nervous system dysfunctions
• Heart problems
• Chemical insensitivity
• Nutritional Imbalances or Deficiencies
• Musculoskeletal Imbalance
• Sleep Disorders
• Stress
What are the symptoms
of chronic fatigue syndrome?
symptoms vary enormously in each individual but these
appear to be some of the common most apparent
• prolonged
fatigue after physical activity, known as a post exertional
malaise usually lasting more than twenty four hours
• low grade fever
• general muscle weakness and pain
• headaches of a new type pattern of severity
• more frequent illness
• tender lymph nodes in neck or armpits
• night sweats
• frequent sore throats
• increased sensitivity to chemicals like perfumes,
newsprint, cleaning sprays
• worsening allergies
• fatigue with or after your normal daily routine
• awakening from sleep unrefreshed
• forgetfulness
• difficulty in remembering or finding the correct
word to say
• excessive irritability
• unable to concentrate
• foggy brain
• over sensitive to temperature both hot and cold
• hypersensitivity to light
• hypersensitivity to sounds
• stomach disorders
• food intolerances
How is chronic fatigue
syndrome diagnosed?
There is no one test to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome.
Many tests will be performed and all other illnesses
are ruled out. It is a diagnosis of exclusion.
Doctors will
generally perform standard blood and urine tests to
rule out other possible diseases. Illnesses including
lupus, multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease, adrenal disorders,
HIV or AIDS, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis,
depression, cancer, and other conditions have to be
eliminated first. If the doctor can identify no cause
for the symptoms and other symptoms persist that are
on the official criteria
list then a diagnosis may be made.
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