What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Most of us heard about chronic fatigue syndrome and its effects on today’s public health. This health condition is considered a curse of our times, and a great deal of people around the world are affected by it. It is estimated that about a quarter of million Brits are currently suffering from this ailment. Chronic fatigue syndrome is considered a complex disease which is linked to a constant feeling of tiresome and exhaustion which do not go away with rest or sleep. Sometimes the symptoms go really bad and it becomes difficult to even carry out small daily tasks, but usually the condition tends to improve over time.

Actually, chronic fatigue syndrome is a lot more than just feeling tired, but also coping with a wide range of other signs and symptoms. This health condition can make a person suffer from the symptoms for years, and looking for ways of managing these symptoms in order to go on leading a normal life. Fortunately, in overwhelming majority of cases this disease is moderate and mild, but every one of four patients have severe symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Read on to learn more what is chronic fatigue syndrome and what are its causes and symptoms.

Causes Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

It is yet not clear for modern medical science what exact factors cause chronic fatigue syndrome but there are a few theories about what factors can contribute. It was found out that chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms are quite close to the ones of fibromyalgia, a chronic disease linked to muscular and other pains which brings exhaustion and a lot of discomfort. That  is why a hypothesis was proposed that chronic fatigue syndrome can have something to do with irregularities of the immune function and central sensitization that cause fibromyalgia.

Some of the contributing factors which are considered to play a role in chronic fatigue syndrome development include the following:

• Viral infections: viruses like human herpesvirus 6, Epstein-Barr and others were studied as possible triggers of chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Genetic predisposition: it is considered a contributing factor because chronic fatigue syndrome is common in people with a family history of this disease.
• Impaired function of the immune system.
• Hormonal shifts and imbalances.
• Mental stresses and depression.
• Traumatic evens and childhood traumas.
• Less significant factors (a poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, social isolation, etc.)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

Certainly, the feelings of heavy fatigue and extreme exhaustion are the main symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Those are the key symptoms which give the ailment its official name. Specialists suppose that if severe fatigue and exhaustion last for more than 24 hours, the patient should think that those are not just usual signs of tiresome, but possibly the chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms. Moreover, if the total condition does not tend to improve after having a full 8-hours sleep, the chances of suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome are really very high.

Other Signs Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

In addition to the mentioned two central symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, there are certain signs which are quite common but can not be taken as symptoms of this very condition. The signs include:

• Muscular pains and pains in joints
• Stomach pain
• Sore throat
• Enlarged and painful lymph nodes (especially on the neck and armpits)
• Headaches
• Inability to focus
• Increased sensitivity to light and loud sounds
• Dizziness
• Sleeping problems

Remember that the key chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms, as well as the mentioned signs of the ailment, could be associated with many other health conditions, starting from various infections and ending up with many psychological disorders. However, if you are experiencing excessive fatigue for a long period of time, it can be necessary to see your doctor.

Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.

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