A Quick Look at Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Estimate how many times a day you say, “I’m tired!” For individuals suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), this is a comment they repeat constantly on a daily basis. Whether you have heard about this disease or not, it is a very real medical condition that afflicts people all over the world, particularly in the United States. Let’s explore what chronic fatigue syndrome is, as well as what impact it has on a sufferer’s daily life. In addition, we will look at the statistics related to CFS and determine who is most likely to suffer from this condition.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

CFS is a complicated disease that causes numerous symptoms that have a significant impact on a person’s daily routine and are often very difficult to control. To fully appreciate the complexity of CFS, you must first have an understanding of the symptoms. They include: The most prevalent symptom involves overwhelming fatigue that does not improve with bed rest and becomes significantly worse after mental exertion or physical activity.  

• Loss of memory and/ or decreased concentration
• Muscle pain
• Unrefreshed sleep
• Joint pain that is not accompanied by redness or swelling
• Constant Headaches
• Frequent sore throats
• There is also the possibility of having tender lymph nodes in the armpits and neck.
• Although continuous exhaustion is experienced, it is not uncommon to also have bouts of insomnia. 

How is CFS Diagnosed?

There are currently no tests available to positively diagnosis CFS. Instead, doctors rule out other potential causes for the symptoms being experienced. In addition, a person must meet certain criteria to receive a diagnosis of CFS. Criteria include: 

• The person has suffered from severe chronic fatigue for 6 or more consecutive months. The fatigue cannot be the result of ongoing exertion or any other medical conditions associated with fatigue.
• The fatigue must cause substantial impairment with daily activities and work.
• The person must have four of the symptoms listed above 

How Does CFS Impact Daily Life?

People suffering from CFS make daily life difficult, to say the least. Many compare it to feeling as if you have the flu every single day of your life. Overall, it makes life harder. It is harder to get out of bed, complete household chores, concentrate on work, raise children, plan activities too far in advance, and have an active social life. In severe cases, it may be almost impossible to get out of bed at times and a wheelchair may be required for mobility.

It is not uncommon for sufferers to develop depression. This is usually the result of being unable to participate in work and social activities. This often leads to to a feeling of extreme despair and isolation. Antidepressants may help control depression associated with CFS.

Surprisingly, the sleep patterns of individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are usually much disrupted. In many cases, a person may sleep considerably more than they have in the past, yet they will wake up completely unrefreshed. However, it is also common for sufferers to have trouble falling asleep, find them waking up frequently during the night, and waking up early in the morning unable to fall back asleep. Many patients with CFS benefit from sleep medications to help regulate their sleep pattern.

See Also: Why Am I So Tired? Surprising Cures for Chronic Fatigue

Who Suffers From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

According to the CDC, slightly more than 1 million individuals in the United States had a diagnosis of CFS at the end of 2013. While it is most common in adults, it can be experienced in children and adolescents. Between 0.2% and 2.3% of children in the US suffer from CFS. It is more prevalent in teens than younger children, with the majority of those afflicted around the time they turn 13.

While CFS can affect anyone, it is most commonly diagnosed in women. In fact, it is twice as likely to be diagnosed in women. In addition, it is more likely to be diagnosed in people of Caucasian descent between the ages of 40 and 50. As of now, researchers are not certain why these groups of people are at higher risk of developing CFS or if there is a familial or genetic link.

What Causes CFS?

The truth is researchers are not 100 percent certain what causes CSF. Researchers have conducted numerous studies to determine if certain infections, allergic diseases, or secondary illnesses increase a person’s risk for CFS. They have also looked to see if changes in a person’s immune system or issues within the central nervous system may lead to CFS. As of now, research continues in attempt to identify what causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as well to determine what can be done to eradicate the condition.

For those afflicted with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, life is not easy. However, in many cases doctors are able to find the right combination of medicines needed to control their symptoms. Unfortunately, this takes time.