Information on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Diagnosis

Do you struggle to complete simple tasks? Do you sleep, yet never feel well-rested? Do you struggle to meet daily commitments? If so, you may be one of the millions of individuals who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS). Also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), this incapacitating disease is difficult to diagnose and even trickier to treat. Its medical mysteries make it problematic for victims to seek appropriate treatment or obtain empathy and respect from well-meaning coworkers, employers, friends and family.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Suffering

Each year, countless men and women suffer from debilitating exhaustion and a persistent feeling of unending malaise. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not a level of exhaustion experienced after a challenging day of work or a tremendously busy week or month. In contrast, victims struggle to engage in everyday activities. Feelings of weariness never ease, even after prolonged rest. CFS sufferers usually endure physical pain as well. Extreme exhaustion and physical pain will control nearly every aspect of life until the victim reaches a breaking point and contacts medical officials.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

As its name suggests, chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by overwhelming levels of fatigue that persist over an extended period. CFS is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms mimic the ‘common cold’ or influenza. In some instances, CFS is ignored as a byproduct of other ailments.

Commonly recognized symptoms of CFS include extreme fatigue which lasts more than six months, a general feeling of illness, fever or chill, joint pain that does not cause swelling or redness, muscle pain, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, and impairment in memory or concentration. Some victims of CFS report vision changes, increases in allergies, gastrointestinal troubles, shortness of breath, and psychological difficulties. 

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This mysterious disease attacks both men and women without regard to class, occupation, age, race or ethnicity. Regrettably, the medical community cannot conclusively pinpoint the causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Some physicians believe that CFS is caused by immune dysfunction and/or viral infection. Others contend that CFS is an episodic experience following elevated emotional, physical and/or mental distress.

Diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There are no tests which conclusively diagnose CFS. It may only be determined after ruling out other illnesses. To diagnose CFS, doctors create a complete medical profile. They will attempt to exclude specialized illnesses such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, bipolar disorder, thyroid dysfunction, HIV, AIDS, and cancer. When alternate medical illnesses and chronic ailments have been excluded, CFS is diagnosed.

Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

CFS is not contagious, but may worsen with time. Although some sufferers heal or manage their exhaustion with treatment, other patients record years of suffering.

Some medical studies suggest that CFS is the body’s way of coping with emotional or physical duress. In those instances, patients manage their care by scrutinizing diet and stress levels. Doctors will caution, however, that without appropriate counsel and treatment, drastic changes in physical or mental activity will worsen the onset of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Several patients suffer from prolonged joint pain and headaches. Pain management professionals assist victims of CFS with their ability to endure varying levels of joint pain. Treatment is comprised of anti-inflammatory medications or physical therapy.

Victims may also suffer from clinical depression. Those patients are strongly encouraged to seek treatment with a mental health professional. This may result in counseling sessions and usage of anti-depression medication.

Living with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

Although CFS profoundly influences the quality of one’s life, it is a manageable ailment. Patients and physicians must work together to create quality medical care for this mysterious illness. In time, patients will regain full control of their lives.