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Loading ...Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is poorly understood by many. This disorder is severe and causes chronic mental and physical exhaustion. It is arising in many “healthy” people. CFS is occurring more and more often in people today yet is misunderstood by many.
The symptoms of CFS seem to have no logical explanation and most patients suffering from it are women. The medical community has just recognized CFS as an extreme medical condition, a treatment has yet to be found.
CFS patients may report many symptoms which are not included in all diagnostic criteria, including muscle weakness, cognitive dysfunction, hypersensitivity, orthostatic intolerance, digestive disturbances, depression, poor immune response, and cardiac and respiratory problems.
The majority of CFS cases begin after a period of stress or illness. The majority of cases start suddenly but a few start gradually and are triggered by a flu-like virus or similar illness.
Some people can remember a specific day or time when they first became ill. Patients have reported getting a case of the flue, exposure to an allergen, or an infection such as bronchitis, from which they seem never to fully recover and which evolves into CFS. Other patients claim that vaccination, especially the Hepatitis B vaccination, is another cause of CFS.
Lyme disease is another symptom patients have reported. Other noninfectious triggers have been reported as well such as car accidents, buying a new home, moving into a new home, and other stressful life situations. Patients have said they felt unusual or uneasy for a short period (days or weeks) before the onset of CFS.
Other people have very slow, gradual onset symptoms, sometimes spread over years. People with prolonged symptoms may not realize there is anything wrong for quite some time. Patients may believe they have a minor illness or just some stress and assume it will improve with time.
If you have CFS some symptoms you may have include: loss of sleep, hormone imbalances, flu symptoms, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), achy body, headaches, sensitivity to light, touch, odors, and noise, exhaustion, tenderness or swollen lymph glands.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to CFS patients as well as sleep aids to help with the symptoms. Other things like pain relievers, antibiotics, etc. may also be prescribed to help with additional symptoms. Because the cause of CFS is unknown it is hard to find a treatment for CFS.
Unfortunately with prescribed medications there are negative side-effects that can occur. Other natural techniques may seem to have better results with no negative side effects. Stress management, healthy diet, massage, stretching, acupuncture, yoga and tai chi have been helpful for many people suffering from CFS.
Written by Brooke Freeman for MicroNutra Health™