CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME (CFS)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a disorder that causes extreme fatigue. This fatigue is not the kind of tired feeling that goes away after you rest. Instead it lasts a long time and limits your ability to do ordinary daily life activities.
The hallmark symptom is- Overwhelming fatigue and weakness that makes it very difficult to perform daily activities like –
- Getting out of bed.
- Dressing
- Eating
- The tiredness/fatigue does not go away after rest or doesn’t get better.
- This affects work and leisure activities very severely and causes physical and emotional
symptoms that lasts for months or years.
SYMPTOMS –
In order to be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a person must have both the below symptoms –
Severe, chronic fatigue for atleast 6 months or longer, unalleviated by rest, with other known medical conditions been excluded by a doctor’s diagnosis.
Four or more of the following symptoms:-
- Forgetfulness/difficulty in concentration.
- Sore throat.
- Tender lymph nodes in the neck, or armpit.
- Headaches of a new type, pattern or severity
- Unrefreshing sleep and vague feelings of illness, or depression after exerting oneself lasting more than 24hr following exertion.
- Tiredness that last for more than 24hr.
- Mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability.
- Dizziness
- Odd tingling sensations in skin.
- Decrease in sex interest.
- Digestive distress.
Possible Causes:
A combination of physiological and psychological conditions or factors can cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). But No primary cause has been found that explains all cases of CFS, nor blood tests/ brain scans can definitely diagnose it. Some of the possible causes are –
- Iron deficiency anemia.
- Mild, chronic low blood pressure.
- Dysfunction in immune system.
Blood glucose below normal levels. Can happen suddenly. Usually mild. Can be treated quickly and easily by eating or drinking a small amount of glucose-rich food: Sugary candy. Banana. Peanut butter. Crackers.
- Depression/ anxiety disorder.
- Prolonged exposure to stress/faulty lifestyle, lack of sleep, bad eating habits.
- Low blood sugar.
- Changes in the levels of hormone produced in hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands.
- Emotionally disturbed childhood or sexual abuse.
Treatment
Life style adaptations are key to effective management such as –
- Getting more rest (mental relaxation)
- Following regular, manageable daily routine.
- Reducing physical and emotional stress.
- Improve nutrition.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar and food additives.
- Prefer organic food (very effective).
- Mild to moderate exercise regularly but only “with DOCTOR’S APPROVAL”(Gentle stretching and underwater exercise).
- Cognitive behavior therapy — Your psychologist identifies your negative thoughts and behavior and helps in better thought process (to positive thoughts).
- Get enough sleep, good sleeping habits such as early to bed and early to rise, maintain the same timings and day time napping also helps.
Ready to overcome your Fatigue problem?
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- Avail 24×7 Text Consultation with your Coach, Counsellor @ My Coach
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CHEERS to your Good Sleep & Smile
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