What is chronic fatigue syndrome or cfs?
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Also known as CFS or CFIDS, the chronic Epstein-Barr virus and myalgic encephalomyelitis was first acknowledged in the 1980's. Primarily it strikes young caucasian women. Those under the age of 45 account for 80% of all cases diagnosed in America today. But all segments of the population are susceptible, including young children and the elderly.
People with CFS complain of flulike symptoms that never seem to go away. CFS is not a contagious disease. The onset is usually sudden and totally debilitating. The exhaustion feeling is not caused by overexertion and does not ease with rest or medications alone. As it progresses it worsens in intensity. CFS is not typically fatal, but can cause other health problems. The symptoms linger and often become disabling before improving.
Look for these symptoms:
Sudden onset of fatigue.
Fatigue that does not cease with rest.
Fatigue that is not caused by exertion.
Continuous low-grade fever.
Unexplained muscle soreness.
Unexplained muscle weakness.
Sleep disorders.
Unexplained swollen lymph nodes.
Tenderness in the lymph nodes.
Unexplained joint pain.
Forgetfulness, confusion.
Inability to concentrate.
Flulike symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks.
Continuous fatigue that persists for 6 months without easing.
Symptoms that result in a substantial reduction of activities.
Currently the cause of CFS is not known. It is thought that CFS is an autoimmune disease that may result from a combination of viruses and hormonal imbalances. Some think that prolonged use of antibiotics or excessive exposure to chemical toxins may be at fault. Some studies have also suggested that CFS is caused by a dysfuction of the immune sysytem.
It had long been thought that CFS was caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This recently has been proven wrong. Because the cause of CFS is unknown, treatment is usually the relief of symptoms. There are a number of conventional therapies currently in use that can help you during the course of the disease.
When seeing a doctor for suspected CFS, he or she will take a medical history and perform a physical exam including a complete blood test to rule out other diseases that share symptoms with CFS. Once all other possibilities are ruled out and CFS has been diagnosed, the first step is to maintain general good health. You will have to avoid situations that are physically stressful. You also need to balance rest and nonvigorous exercise for optimum health.
The flulike symptoms that CFS sufferers feel can be alleviated with medication. Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin to help with the low-grade fever, constant headaches and joint and muscle sorness. Low doses of MAO inhibitors, some antidepressants and intravenous injections of gamma globulin have shown varying degrees of success. An experimental form of treatment is the use of H2 hitstamine blockers, but these are still unproven.
Sensitivities to chemical toxins may make CFS worse. Try eliminating any suspected item and then reintroducing them one by one, to pinpoint what may be causing your symptoms. Because no one knows what causes CFS, there is no way to prevent it. But there are ways to avoid worseningg of symptoms by strngthening your immune system with vitamins and a proper diet.
By working with your doctor and listening to your body CFS can be managed effectively. You might also want to consider experimenting with various alternative therapies to determine which ones work best for you. Whatever your course, remember the vast majority of CFS sufferers eventually recuperate.
