If you are suffering from debilitating exhaustion and difficulty sleeping or concentrating for long periods for no apparent medical reason, you might have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
People who have CFS experience symptoms of extreme tiredness, severe muscle and joint pain, and poor memory, among other things. The other symptoms of CFS include swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, headaches, and fatigue that worsens with exertion. If your feelings of tiredness and pain do not improve after a few days and with rest and sleep, it may be another warning sign that you could have CFS.
What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
There is no conclusive reason for the cause of CFS. Research points to several factors such as genetic, hormonal, environmental, or medical that can trigger or exacerbate the condition. Some experts suggest viral infections like Epstein Barr or human herpesvirus 6 might bring about the onset of CFS.
CFS affects more women than men, usually in their later 40s to 50 years of age. People who are continuously subjected to stressful situations and have difficulty managing stress are likely to have CFS.
If left untreated, chronic fatigue can significantly decrease one’s quality of life as the sufferer may experience feelings of depression, isolation from friends and family, and inability to maintain employment.
Treatment for Chronic Fatigue
As many as 17-24 million people around the world have CFS. However, according to the US Centers for Disease Control, this number may be inaccurate as many CFS cases go undiagnosed. Men are less likely to report their symptoms, which may suggest why data points to a higher incidence of chronic fatigue in women.
While there is currently no known cure for CFS, there are medical treatments that can help people cope with and relieve some of the symptoms. Doctors and healthcare experts may Below are several options for those who are looking for solutions to fight chronic fatigue syndrome:
Pain Management
Some doctors may prescribe painkillers or muscle relaxants that can ease the soreness in a patient’s joints and muscles.
Sleep Aids
People living with chronic fatigue have trouble sleeping and staying asleep, so they may be given medication to help them get better quality sleep. Sleep is beneficial for any person, although patients with CFS often find that their symptoms persist
Graded Exercise Therapy (GET)
This form of treatment aims to increase the sufferer’s capacity for physical activity. People with CFS experience extreme exhaustion for the slightest exertion. Still, with a structured program, they can gain increase resistance and build up enough energy to complete simple exercises like swimming and walking.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
A licensed therapist may discuss with a patient their symptoms and feelings to try to address the mental toll the disease may take. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help people come to terms with their diagnosis, take control of the symptoms, and understand how their behaviour can affect or aggravate the effects of the condition.
Lifestyle Modifications
A specialist may recommend eliminating anything that can cause unnecessary stress and spikes in energy in a CFS patient’s body, such as consuming caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and nicotine. Having a daily routine for sleeping, waking, and doing daily physical activities can also help improve the person’s ability to cope with the effects of CFS.
The Bottom Line
Chronic Fatigue is a long-term illness that can have devastating effects on a patient’s life. With proper intervention, most people can overcome the symptoms, but it is possible that they may never fully recover. The earlier that a person receives treatment, the more likely they are to respond positively and live a relatively normal life.
Do you suffer from symptoms of chronic fatigue? We can help you find the right answers to your health issues and get you the treatment you need in Surrey, BC. Book an appointment with us today!
