Chronic fatigue syndrome

It is a condition which can easily affect the quality of life along with mental peace and happiness. There is no particular cause for this syndrome but it may be triggered by various factors combined.

It is more common after the age of 40, factors like stress, viral infections, weak immune system, hormonal imbalances may be attributed as cause. A combination of factors can aggravate the condition.

Fatigue, can be a common symptom of many medical conditions, but CFS is very different from these conditions in many aspects. The onset of the condition is usually sudden. Main symptom of fatigue along with other symptoms may occur suddenly, before which they did not exist. Chronic unexplained fatigue which is not relieved by rest is the hallmark of CFS.

Symptoms:

Fatigue
Headache
Heaviness in the head
Muscle and joint pains
Loss of memory
Loss of concentration
Sore throat
Insomnia
Feeling tired even after a good sleep
Enlarged lymph nodes in neck and armpits
Weakness lasting more than 24 hours after a physical exercise

Diagnosis: Health conditions should be excluded first before we come into conclusion

Common conditions that need exclusion:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
End-stage renal disease (CRF)
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Rheumatoid arthritis
Multiple sclerosis
Chronic renal failure
Type II diabetes mellitus
Hypothyroidism
Anemia
Major depression
Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorders
Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia
Alcohol abuse
Substance abuse

To diagnose CFS many diagnostic criteria came into existence but one among them which we use to diagnose CFS is CDC diagnostic criteria which include:

Fatigue: A new onset of persistent fatigue for 6 continuous months or greater duration which is unrelated to exertion, is not immediately relieved by rest, and is not a result of other medical conditions.
Significant reduction in previous activity levels
At least four or more of the following symptoms that last 6 months or longer:

Weakness after physical or mental exertion
Impaired memory or concentration
Unrefreshing sleep
Muscle pain (myalgia)
Pain in multiple joints (arthralgia)
Headaches of a new kind or greater severity or heaviness in the head
Frequent sore throat
Enlarged lymph nodes in neck and armpits

Treatment:

There is no particular treatment for this syndrome but there can be a symptomatic treatment.

Some alternate methods of treatment includes:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is basically a psychological therapy. Used to treat patients with severe CFS. It helps in understanding the symptoms and disease and help to plan strategies to improve their day to day functioning.It also aims to eliminate wrong impressions and beliefs that may perpetuate the disease.
Healthy diet
Sleep management techniques
Medications to reduce pain, discomfort, fever (when present)
Medications to treat anxiety (antianxiety drugs) and depression (antidepressant drugs)
Maintaining active social life through various mediums of contacts
Relaxation and stress reduction techniques such as: