Chronic fatigue syndrome disability is a very complex health issue. Its etiology is not fully determined yet, it is a headache to diagnose, and its symptoms resemble those of many other common illnesses. And, on top of that, no definitive chronic fatigue syndrome cure exists. When dealing with this syndrome, doctors can only address its varying manifestations.
Living with chronic fatigue syndrome takes courage and requires cooperation with your doctor. We prepared this review to fully explain every aspect of the condition.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The CDC also refers to chronic fatigue syndrome as myalgic encephalomyelitis. Therefore, the abbreviation used to mention the illness can look like ME/CFS. It is a serious, long-term health issue characterized by constant tiredness that is not relieved after the person had rested.
This condition causes an intense deterioration of the person’s quality of life and lifestyle. At times when the syndrome gets worse, the patient can be even confined to bed.
CFS Symptoms
Another issue is that symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome can vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s individuality. The experts distinguish so-called primary, or core symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, and common ones. Let us explore the main signs first.
Persistent and unexplained fatigue
The patient experiences a debilitated ability to perform their activities. The feeling of tiredness does not decrease after the person had been resting; they do not feel refreshed after night’s sleep.
Post-exertional malaise (PEM)
Post-exertional malaise, abbreviated as PEM, is an occurrence when the person’s condition gets worse after physical or mental activities that were manageable before the illness. This relapse can last more than 24 hours. The severity of PEM can leave the patient exhausted after the simplest chores, like dishwashing.
Sleep problems
The sleep disorders that develop with CFS are not limited to getting not enough energy while resting. The patient may also have trouble falling and staying asleep or, on the other hand, struggle with staying awake and alert in the daytime.
Cognitive difficulties
The drop in activity includes mental performance as well. The person may experience difficulties with thinking, memory, concentration, etc. The condition is often referred to as “brain fog” due to the lack of mental clarity.
Orthostatic intolerance
Orthostatic intolerance is when the patient’s symptoms get worse when they try to sit upright or stand. Sitting or standing straight may cause blurred vision, vertigo, weakness, and dizziness.
Commom CFS symptoms
Many people can have other symptoms of the condition:
- Pain not connected to an injury; headache, joint pain with no swelling or redness; muscle pain;
- Sore lymph nodes in the neck and armpits;
- GI disorders;
- Sore throat;
- Irregular heart rhytm;
- Shortness of breath;
- Increased sensitivity to allergens, foods, odors, etc.
Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The causes of chronic fatigue syndrome are unclear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the following factors that are associated with the development of CFS:
- Infections, particularly viral ones, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 6, Ross River virus (RRV), rubella virus, and COVID-19;
- Changes in the immune system that make it weaker;
- Chronic stress altering the body chemistry;
- Hormonal imbalance;
- Changes in energy production in the cells (however, this suggestion needs further research).
Risk factors for CFS
Every person can develop CFS. However, there are factors associated with an increased risk of the condition:
- Age: it is more common in people between the age of 40 and 60.
- Gender: AFAB patients are more likely to be diagnosed;
- Poor environmental conditions;
- Having multiple health conditions;
- Having multiple allergies;
- Genetic predispositions.
Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis is complicated. In 2015, the Institute of Medicine stated that, as of that time, between 836,000 to 2.5 million people in the USA have CFS, and between 84% and 91% were not diagnosed.
Besides other reasons, such as people being hesitant to consult their doctor and the social stigma surrounding fatigue and depression labeling them as lazy, there is an issue with diagnostic methods. No specific chronic fatigue syndrome test exists, so the doctors have to rule out every other possible cause of the illness before making a final diagnosis.
Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A general chronic fatigue syndrome treatment protocol cannot exist either because the patients are likely to have varying symptoms, related factors, and more or less severe disability. Therefore, healthcare professionals cannot treat the source and only are able to address the manifestations of the disease.
Medications
Medication for chronic fatigue syndrome depends on the symptoms. For example, if the patient experiences post-exertional malaise (PEM), they need to establish their individual limits for physical and mental activity. This helps to balance activities and resting, promoting recovery while keeping to train the body. The patients may require the assistance of a rehabilitation specialist or an exercise physiologist.
Mental and sleep disorders need to be addressed accordingly. Again—the help of a medical professional of the respective specialty may be required. Depression, anxiety, brain fog, and lack of concentration can be managed through pharmaceutical means as well as the inability to fall asleep or wake up in time. Therefore, properly selected and combined medications can help the person manage their condition to improve their quality of life.
Physical symptoms, such as headache, or muscle pain, can benefit from OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, or Tylenol. If the pain syndrome is persistent, other approaches may be developed together with the doctor.
Orthostatic intolerance can be connected to cardiovascular or neural issues. A consult with a neurologist or a cardiologist and a specific treatment targeting the related problem may be of help.
Therapies
There are many therapeutic activities that can be beneficial to patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. They include:
- Acupuncture;
- Stretching and movement therapies;
- Water therapy;
- Counseling;
- Various vectors and tools of psychotherapy, such as art, etc.
Living with chronic fatigue syndrome
ME/CFS is indeed overwhelming and can greatly affect one’s quality of life. In this section, we are discussing practices that can become a wonderful addition to the patient’s work with healthcare providers.
Nutrition
In patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, diet has an immense impact on their well-being. Even without any health issue whatsoever, it is extremely important to ensure that your body receives all the necessary nutrients through wholesome and balanced meals.
If the patient is lacking some nutrients and it has been shown during the tests, the doctors may opt for supplementation. There are no dedicated chronic fatigue syndrome supplements, of course, but the deficit of a certain vitamin and mineral can contribute to risk factors. Thus, by managing the deficiency, patients will manage their condition in general.
Sleep hygiene
With CFS, sleep disorders may require specific medications for treatment. However, that does not nullify the need for proper sleep hygiene. At the very least, the absence of good sleep habits will interfere with the treatment. These measures will help you to get the process of resting and recovering back on track:
- consistent sleeping schedule
- trying to get at least 8 hours of sleep daily
- keeping the lights off while sleeping with blackout curtains
- high-quality bedding and mattress
- restricted napping and gadgets time shortly before sleep, etc.
Stress management
Stress is a powerful factor that contributes to the development of CFS and inhibits your recovery at the same time. Eliminating as much stress from your life as possible will benefit both your mental and physical health. Carefully implemented physical activity, fresh air, therapy, yoga, and meditation—all of these can improve your condition. So do not hesitate to discuss your possibilities with a healthcare provider.
Summary
CFS is a severe disability that can make a person homebound and drastically limit their possibilities making even mundane tasks too hard to perform. Management of the illness can be achieved by cooperating with healthcare providers to address the symptoms and requires a diverse and methodical approach.
FAQ
How do I beat chronic fatigue syndrome?
Dealing with CFS is focused on targeting related health issues and the disease’s symptoms to improve a person’s condition and quality of life. Positive changes in the person’s lifestyle are necessary in that regard.
Does chronic fatigue syndrome go away?
The symptoms of CFS may disappear which is referred to as recovery.
What illness is related to chronic fatigue syndrome?
There is often an association between viral infections, such as COVID, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The disability can also originate from immune deficiency and hormone disorders.
What is the latest treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?
CFS can only be treated by addressing the symptoms because the course of the disease can vary too greatly from patient to patient.
Do I have chronic fatigue syndrome?
If the question bothers you, or you experience certain health issues that you think may be related to CFS, consult your doctor for physical exams, surveys, and testing.