Curtailing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Imagine experiencing fatigue so pronounced that you can barely crawl out of bed. What about if that fatigue lasted for months no matter how much rest you got? Is it all in your head? No, it is the real situation that those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome face every day.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (also called myalgic encephalomyelitis) is persistent and debilitating fatigue that lasts six months or more that cannot be alleviated with rest and that results in substantial reductions in previous levels of work, school, social, or personal activities. This condition may include four of eight symptoms such as sore throat, tender or swollen lymph nodes, dizziness, joint aches, muscle aches, headaches, memory problems, and sleep disturbances.

Chronic fatigue syndrome may affect an estimated 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans (many of these individuals are undiagnosed and don’t know they have this disorder). It affects more women than men (theoretically because women may be more vulnerable to hormonal changes and immune system differences, but scientists are still unsure). The condition also affects more people in their 40’s and 50’s.

This illness may wreak havoc on an individual socially and economically. Nearly all patients with chronic fatigue syndrome report a decrease in social relationships. What’s more, many people with the illness cannot work or work part-time. The annual total value of lost productivity in the United States due to chronic fatigue syndrome was $9.1 billion.

Medical experts do not know what causes chronic fatigue syndrome. Many researchers feel it may be caused by an abnormality in the nervous system, hormonal imbalance, an inflammation, which triggers an abnormal immune response, and genetics. Some scientists believe a virus may trigger the onset of chronic fatigue syndrome because of the flu-like symptoms characteristic of the condition including human herpes virus 6 and Epstein-Barr virus.

There may be other theories regarding this disorder. Some findings involve a possible link between chronic fatigue syndrome and environmental toxins or allergens. But evidence is inconclusive.   

There is no laboratory test for detecting chronic fatigue syndrome. As a result, doctors perform blood tests, stool cultures, urinalysis, and a chest X-ray to rule out those other conditions.  

There is some overlap of mental illness like depression and anxiety disorders with this condition, though it remains controversial. Studies suggest that some patients with chronic fatigue syndrome may have a history of depression throughout the course of their lives. Patients’ perception, attribution, and coping skills may perpetuate this illness. And findings suggest that physiological and psychological factors work together to predispose a person to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms may be caused by other diseases like untreated hypothyroidism, alcohol or other substance abuse, severe obesity, or certain psychiatric illnesses, such as major depression with psychotic or melancholy features, manic depression, schizophrenia, delusional disorders, dementias, or eating disorders.

Also signs of chronic fatigue syndrome tend to appear suddenly. The condition may fluctuate and change intensity. Even more, studies suggest that one-fourth of the general adult population has had fatigue lasting two weeks or more, making it harder for doctors to determine who suffers from this condition. Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome may vary from person to person.

No definitive treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome exists. Ideally, your doctor will want to treat the specific symptoms of the disorder. The condition is managed with medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (to relieve pain and inflammation), antidepressants (to relieve anxiety and sleep disturbances), sleep aids, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Your doctor may suggest certain lifestyle changes as well like stress reduction, a gradual exercise program, and a balanced dietary meal plan with a nutritionist.

Some research indicates that alternative remedies may be beneficial in treating chronic fatigue syndrome. One study found that patients with the condition who took magnesium sulfate claimed to have improved energy levels, better emotional state, and less pain.  

A lot of stress for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome may derive from not knowing they have the condition and suffering silently with the illness for months and at times, years. To finally get that diagnosis can be a relief. But having the condition should not limit your daily activities. Talk to your physician at once and get tested for those symptoms.