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What You Should Know About Chronic Fatigue |
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Fatigue often follows a period of mental or physical activity. Poor physical health, lack of rest, obesity, poor nutrition, stress, and emotional problems can cause a person to be weak, tired, or lethargic. Being weary, sleepy, and irritable are also signs of fatigue.
Other physical problems such as respiratory disorders, diabetes, anaemia, cancer, alcoholism, thyroid disorders, Cushing's syndrome and drug side effects can cause fatigue. So can conditions such as major depression and panic attacks Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) commences as a new or definite onset of debilitating fatigue which is defined as being present for over six months and may last for years. Symptoms include weakness that interferes with daily living with a substantial reduction in occupational, educational, social or personal activities. The sufferer may have: - impaired memory or ability to concentrate
- muscle aches and pains or muscle-joint pain without arthritis
- excessive, unrefreshing sleep
- sore throat, tender lymph nodes in the neck or under the arms
- headache of a new type, pattern or severity
- malaise for more than 24 hours following minor exertion
CFS can be associated with other conditions such as fibromyalgia, depression, and sleep disorders. There are an estimated 17 cases of chronic fatigue syndrome per 100,000 adults in the Western world, with most cases occurring in women. If you constantly feel tired and unwell and do not know why, seek medical attention. There are many possible causes of fatigue and it may be necessary to undergo a number of tests to find the cause of your symptoms. CFS is diagnosed on clinical grounds in a person with the characteristic symptoms mentioned above, and a normal blood screen and physical examination. If you have been diagnosed with CFS, your doctor will recommend strategies to deal with your condition and maintain your strength. Treatment for the chronic fatigue syndrome depends on the findings on history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. If there are no abnormal findings, treatment is directed at the relief of symptoms. Article #4578 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
