Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Chronic fatigue syndrome refers to a medical condition that is more complicated and serious than simply being tired all of the time. Those who suffer from CFS can barely get out of bed in the morning, even if they've gotten enough sleep. In addition to having memory problems and bring unable to think clearly, CFS patients also generally have trouble completing even the simplest tasks due to their overwhelming fatigue.
 
 
While the precise symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome will vary from patient to patient, possible symptoms of this condition can include:
  • chills
  • coughing without remedy
  • flu-like symptoms
  • having a hard time standing upright
  • headaches
  • intestinal problems or nausea
  • new allergies or sensitivities
  • night sweats
  • pain in the chest, eyes, jaw or abdomen
  • psychological problems like anxiety, panic attacks, depression, mood swings and irritability
  • sore joints
  • sore throats
  • swollen glands
  • visual blurring or light sensitivity
  • weight fluctuation.

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Researchers are currently investigating the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome. As research continues, some have suggested that chronic fatigue syndrome is the result of:
  • a problem with the patient's immune system
  • a viral infection
  • an imbalance of central nervous system hormones
  • problems with the brain's system of regulating the body's blood pressure and pulse rate.
Some people even believe that their chronic fatigue syndrome is caused by a nutritional deficiency. Although the jury is still out on the relationship between diet and chronic fatigue syndrome, eating a healthy diet can only have a good effect on anyone, especially someone suffering from a long-term illness like CFS.
 
Because chronic fatigue syndrome continues to have unknown causes, this condition is also difficult to prevent. Currently, over 1 million people suffer from CFS. As a result, finding the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome is a pressing concern.

Risk Factors for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Some risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome have become clear:
  • Although people in any age group can develop CFS, most sufferers are in their 40s and 50s.
  • Because chronic fatigue syndrome can strike multiple members of a single family, genetic factors may play a role in causing this condition.
  • Few children develop CFS, and more adults develop the syndrome than adolescents.
  • Four times as many women develop CFS as men.

Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

As with many conditions, getting treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome is important to stop symptoms from getting worse. Even after you begin treatment, it's likely your doctor will warn you that you may never regain the level of functioning you had before chronic fatigue syndrome appeared.
 
Because chronic fatigue syndrome affects both your physical and mental health, proper treatment of CFS requires you to interact with a team of various types of doctors. These can include:
  • personal trainer or fitness expert
  • physical therapist
  • primary care physician
  • psychotherapist or other mental health specialist
  • sleep therapist or specialist.
Getting counseling from a trained therapist can help you work through the inevitable life changes a chronic illness brings. Also, since your CFS will likely affect your entire family, you may want to look into family therapy as well.
 
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has proven to be effective for many sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome. In CBT, you learn how to manage your activity, your stress levels and your symptoms.
 
Sometimes alternative therapies, when used in conjunction with medical treatment, can be effective CFS treatments. People dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome have sometimes found that the following help symptoms:
  • acupuncture
  • chiropractic treatments
  • deep breathing techniques
  • guided stretching
  • healing touch therapy
  • massage
  • muscle relaxation techniques
  • tai chi
  • yoga.
While these alternative therapies help treat the physical symptoms of CFS, they also ease the emotional symptoms of this condition. For further emotional support, some chronic fatigue syndrome patients may find group therapy or support groups helpful. Regularly meeting and talking with other CFS patients will not only provide you with emotional support, but it can also keep you informed about new and different treatment options.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Medication

Although no cure currently exists for CFS, some medicines can alleviate the symptoms of this condition. Medications for chronic fatigue syndrome include:
  • antidepressants: Medications such as Celebrex® or Vioxx® can help ease the depression and other emotional symptoms of CFS. Antidepressants can also help patients sleep, boost patients' energy levels and relieve their mild, unspecific pain.

  • antihistamines: These over-the-counter medications can help ease allergies and other sensitivities a CFS patient has.

  • anti-inflammatory drugs: Medication like ibuprofen can be effective for treating the swelling commonly associated with CFS.

  • anxiolytic agents: Medications, including Xanax®, treat dizziness, jittery limbs and other nervous symptoms of CFS. However, these medications have some serious side effects and shouldn't be used in most cases of chronic fatigue syndromes.
If financial or insurance constraints limit your access to medications, talk with your regular, primary care doctor to create a treatment plan to managing your CFS. With a managed health care plan, you can still lead a long and happy life with chronic fatigue syndrome.
 
Resources
 
Counseling Resource (2003). Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment Options. Retrieved January 17, 2008, from the Counseling Resource Web site: http://counsellingresource.com/distress/chronic/cfs/cfs-treatment.html.
 
Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007). Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms. Retrieved January 17, 2008, from the CDC Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfssymptomsHCP.htm.