Chronic Fatigue

Therapies which may benefit Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue usually occurs after an infectious disease or time of high stress. Cold or flu, bronchitis and intestinal infections can all bring about chronic fatigue. Symptoms include weakness, headaches, lack of concentration or joint pain. Chronic fatigue can last over a period of many months, often coming and going throughout this time. Prolonged and severe fatigue can be diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

 

Did you know?

  • 60% of people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have never experienced depression before the onset of symptoms
  • Women are more prone to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome than men
  • Chronic fatigue is as common in teenagers as it is in adults
  • CFS usually develops between the age of 20 and 40



Causes of chronic fatigue  

In this section we'll discuss the causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). People suffering a prolonged period of chronic fatigue will often be diagnosed as having CFS.

There are several theories for CFS but the exact cause remains unknown. Viral infections such as glandular fever may trigger CFS as people often suffer tiredness after the virus has cleared. However, this theory does not explain persistent or worsening symptoms after the infection and so Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is likely to have psychological factors alongside the physical problems which affect how severe the CFS is and how long it may last.

Contributory factors that increase the risks of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include:

  • An inherited family gene causing susceptibility
  • Weakened immunity after a viral infection (such as glandular fever)
  • Stress and anxiety
  • ExhaustionChronic Fatigue | The Wellness Directory
  • Depression
  • Trauma (childhood experiences, recent bereavement, redundancy or divorce) 

Along with the contributory factors there are certain factors that exacerbate CFS such as:
  • Recurring infections (viral and bacterial)
  • Inactivity
  • Excessive activity
  • Stress
  • Poor nutrition and diet
  • Social isolation

Symptoms of chronic fatigue

Anyone suffering with chronic fatigue will be diagnosed with CFS by their GP however this only happens in a small number of cases. Feeling tired all the time does not mean CFS is diagnosed as there will need to be other symptoms present to confirm it.

As there is no single test to diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a GP will begin with a medical history and physical examination. The GP may request blood tests to rule out conditions such as liver or kidney problems, anaemia or an underactive thyroid.

Once your GP has ruled out any underlying causes to your chronic fatigue they will follow a set of guidelines to see if the problem:

  • Started on a clear date
  • Is persistent and/or recurrent fatigue
  • Is not fatigue explained by any other condition
  • Has led to a significant reduction in activity and is present after physical exertion (known as post-exertional malaise)
Along with these guidelines there must be one or more of the following symptoms present:
  • Sleeping difficulty e.g. insomnia
  • Muscle soreness/joint pain (no inflammation)
  • Headaches
  • Tender lymph nodes (not enlarged)
  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty concentrating or impaired thought processes
  • Physical exertion that makes symptoms worse
  • Mental exertion that makes symptoms worse
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Heart palpitations (but not caused by disease)
The diagnosis of CFS will only be made when symptoms have been present and persistent for four months or more in an adult and three months or more in a child or teenager.

 

Diagnosis of chronic fatigue

Anyone suffering with chronic fatigue will be diagnosed with CFS by their GP however this only happens in a small number of cases. Feeling tired all the time does not mean CFS is diagnosed as there will need to be other symptoms present to confirm it.

As there is no single test to diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a GP will begin with a medical history and physical examination. The GP may request blood tests to rule out conditions such as liver or kidney problems, anaemia or an underactive thyroid.

Once your GP has ruled out any underlying causes to your chronic fatigue they will follow a set of guidelines to see if the problem:

  • Started on a clear date
  • Is persistent and/or recurrent fatigue
  • Is not fatigue explained by any other condition
  • Has led to a significant reduction in activity and is present after physical exertion (known as post-exertional malaise)
Along with these guidelines there must be one or more of the following symptoms present:
  • Sleeping difficulty e.g. insomnia
  • Muscle soreness/joint pain (no inflammation)
  • Headaches
  • Tender lymph nodes (not enlarged)
  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty concentrating or impaired thought processes
  • Physical exertion that makes symptoms worse
  • Mental exertion that makes symptoms worse
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Heart palpitations (but not caused by disease)
The diagnosis of CFS will only be made when symptoms have been present and persistent for four months or more in an adult and three months or more in a child or teenager.


*Source: GoToSee.co.uk



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