Fatigue is a general lack of energy and motivation that you feel sometimes. It could be either mental, physical, or both. It is different from drowsiness, although if you have fatigue, you may feel drowsy. When you experience fatigue for prolonged period of time, months together, without any medically-supported reason for it, and which does not go with appropriate sleep, then you may be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
An exhaustive disorder causing intense fatigue in the patients not cured by rest and even aggravated by any additional physical activity is chronic fatigue syndrome, frequently called as CFS. An unexplained state of tiredness accompanied by cognitive difficulties is the true sign of CFS.
Frequent Symptoms Suggesting CFS
Chronic fatigue affects many, but a defined set of symptoms is unavailable. However, here are a few of them:
- Fatigue irrespective of a good sleep
- Cognitive problems including short-term memory and loss of concentration
- Depression, moodiness, anxiety
- Post-exertion fatigue caused by regular activities that did not tire earlier
- Joint pains and muscle fatigue without any visible sign of injury
- Sore throat and headache
- Tender cervical lymph nodes
Other secondary symptoms like abdominal pain, morning stiffness, nausea, dizziness may also be seen.
Diagnostic Tests for CFS
The symptom traits of CFS are extremely common and can direct towards any other chronic disease. Hence, a careful examination is extremely important. The following tests are conducted for differential diagnosis, so that any occurrence of any other disease with similar symptoms is ruled out before confirming CFS.
- Immune System Tests: Tests involving the immune system to rule out any immunity-related fatigue caused by infections.
- Gland Tests: Tests for any gland malfunction such as the liver, thyroid, or adrenal.
- Blood Tests: ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is tested, as this has been found to be consistently extremely low in CFS patients.
- Antibody Tests: These are to check for any prior infection due to Chlamydia pneumonia or Epstein-Barr viral infections that contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome.
- CT Scans or MRI: These are carried out to rule out any other nervous system disorders.
- SPECT: Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) tests for the flow of blood to certain parts of the brain such as the frontal lobe to deduce cognitive disabilities caused in CFS.
Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Since there is no certain cause for CFS, there is no decisive test or treatment for the same. Chronic fatigue is a concealed illness that has signs, but no proof. Hence, treatments such as self-awareness, care, and a few medications to stop the consequences of the disorder, rather than attending to the cause, are undertaken.
As a measure of self-care, the patient must avoid any exertion or exhausting activity that could aggravate the problem. Also, the lifestyle should comprise of some light activity to retain some deftness and functioning of the body.
Medications Prescribed to Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Many different classes of drugs are used to target the symptoms of the CFS owing to the absence of any explained cause.
- Pain Relievers and Muscle Relaxants: Various brand names of these classes of drugs are available without prescription to deal with the pain and discomfort.
- Anti-Depressants: These drugs target an improvement in sleep and rest and also attend to the moodiness of the patients.
- Stimulants: Treating the tiredness, these aim to bring in some improvement of activity in the patients.
- Anxiolytic Agents: These are administered to help CFS patients with their anxiety.
- Antimicrobials: Since a few assumptions have been made regarding the connection of CFS cause to viral and bacterial infections, antimicrobials should help.
- Antihistamines: Non-sedating antihistamines are used to treat allergy and for the patient to be sedation-free to avoid drowsiness.
- Other Therapy Modes: Therapies such as massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic therapy may be fruitful.
- Others: Herbal medications and diet changes also bring in some improvement.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Children
Children must be brought into confidence to share their fatigue-related issues with their parents. Once noticed, these symptoms must be immediately attended to. Emotional instability, depression, and anxiety must be treated before they manifest into something more complicated.
CFS is a disguised illness and almost all instances have no visible signs of the disease. The caregivers must understand the helplessness of the patient and must provide an unwearied help and care. CFS is a very common disorder affecting millions worldwide, so enduring care must be extended to those affected and their families. Even the family of those suffering from CFS must be inducted regarding the symptoms and consequences of the illness. The key is patience.
