Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a debilitating illness that is characterized by extreme tiredness even after getting a full night of sleep.
Though it affects more than two million people in the United States alone, the syndrome is still not well-understood by the medical community, which can make a diagnosis and subsequent treatment very difficult.
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More research is being done on the condition and revealing possible causes as well as more effective treatments, which is good news for those who suffer from this incredibly disruptive and frustrating ailment.
Chronic Fatigue Causes
Although it remains speculation at this point, researchers believe the causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (or CFS) could be a genetic predisposition or that CFS is the end stage of multiple diseases instead of a condition on its own. Most researchers, however, believe it is caused by one or more of the following:- Viral Infection
- Weakened Immune System
- Hormonal Imbalance
Signs of Stress and Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Fatigue Symptoms
The most frequently experienced symptom of CFS is overwhelming fatigue that does not get better even after a good night of sleep. Those with chronic fatigue often have trouble completing normal everyday tasks such as going to work or school, taking care of their family, or socializing with friends. In addition to being tired all the time, other symptoms of CFS may include insomnia, frequent headaches, loss of memory, frequent sore throat, tender or swollen lymph nodes, and muscle pain. The symptoms are often quite similar to those of related diseases such as fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis, which can complicate the diagnosis process and even result in misdiagnosis.Could It Just Be Stress?
Those with CFS symptoms often believe they are just suffering from intense stress reactions and avoid getting a diagnosis because they think the stress will ease and their condition will improve. Feeling tired and having headaches and concentration problems can certainly be attributed to stress, but if symptoms are affecting your daily life for a long period of time, it’s likely something more serious. In most cases, CFS will be diagnosed if extreme fatigue affects an individual for six months or longer without relief. According to some research, prolonged stress is even thought to lead to CFS, so it’s imperative to practice stress management or to see a counselor or therapist if you believe stress is negatively impacting your life. Get professional help on managing your stress– Click below to book your consultation.Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment
Treatment for CFS is very individualized as each case is unique. There is no tried and true treatment for chronic fatigue and, as of today, there is no cure. However, there are treatments that can help an individual deal with the symptoms and get back to living a fuller and more active life. These include:-
Relaxation Techniques
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Exercise
How to Treat Stress and Chronic Fatigue
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Therapy
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Medications