Sore throat is one common sign of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is often accompanied by a feeling of tenderness in the lymph nodes in your neck. However, to be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, your symptoms must last for six months or more.

Because sore throat is a symptom for many other illnesses, you and your doctor must make sure that it is not being caused by something else.

If you have felt exceptionally weary for six months, and had a sore throat for six months, you may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or CFS. When you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, rest and sleep don’t help, and it interferes with your daily life. You will probably experience other symptoms as well. Altogether there are 8 characteristic symptoms.

The 8 defining symptoms

In order to be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you must have at least four of the eight symptoms.

• Sleep is not refreshing
• Concentration/memory are impaired
• Pain in muscles and joints
• Sore throat
• Tender lymph nodes, such as neck and armpits
• Symptoms relapse after exertion
• Headaches

Unofficial symptoms

Though not part of the 8 defining symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, many CFS sufferers have reported other symptoms:

• new sensitivities or allergic reactions to alcohol, chemicals, odors, foods, noise or medication
• pain in the chest, jaw or abdomen
• feeling bloated
• diarrhea
• earache
• fainting and dizziness
• heartbeat irregularities
• stiffness in the morning
• night sweats and chills
• depression, irritability, panic attacks and anxiety
• gaining or losing weight
• persistent cough

Who can get Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Women are 2 to 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with CFS, but doctors don’t know if it’s because women get it more often or if women are more likely to report their symptoms to their doctors.

Middle aged people in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. But it’s possible for anyone to get it.

Right now, doctors aren’t entirely sure what causes the disease, so there isn’t a way to prevent it. But be sure and tell your doctor if you have any symptoms. The CDC believes that fewer than 20 percent of people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have been diagnosed.

Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

When doctors treat CFS, they often try to treat the individual symptoms because there is no official Chronic Fatigue Syndrome treatment. Beyond treating the symptoms, doctors are also trying some experimental treatments:

• Ritalin and Concerta, psychostimulants used for ADHD, have improved concentration and weariness in some people with CFS.
• ibose supplements have been shown to improve cellular metabolism, relieve CFS symptoms and increase energy levels.
• Acupuncture has been useful for patients with fibromyalgia, which is similar to CFS.
• Taking natural supplements is a sure way to alleviate symptoms of CFS.

What can I do on my own?

These self care tips can improve your ability to function and maintain your health while you work with your doctor:

• Decrease your stress levels
• Make sure you get an adequate amount of sleep
• Exercise on a regular basis
• Don’t overdue it
• Be healthy and keep up good lifestyle habits: Eat a balance diet, drink lots of water and quite smoking.

Learn more about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome here.

Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfsbasicfacts.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/DS00395/DSECTION=8
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/DS00395/DSECTION=10