Some diseases are easy to diagnose while some are not. Why does this happen? Some of the symptoms of the disease could very well be normal behavior.
This is why it is tricky to make a distinction between the two. Our article will be discussing one such disease today known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, most people think of it as a mental disorder or simple laziness.
However, some reports show the contrary. However, how would you know the difference between a normal sense of tiredness that embraces you tight at the end of a hectic day? If you doubt its existence, this article can be an eye-opener for you in every way.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and what are its symptoms?
As detailed above, CFS is a unique condition where the head feels dizzy at all times. It could lead to a lack of energy or enthusiasm which we might need to complete daily.
Since it is not very different from the sense of fatigue that engulfs us. Therefore it is important to look at the symptoms very closely. Some of them include,
- Fatigue: It doesn’t hit you suddenly but when it does, it is difficult to deal with it.
- Sleep Disturbances: People with CFS might find it difficult to sleep and slumber.
- Pain: It is in no way easily manageable and causes severe pain in the joints. Moreover, the pain could be radiating from certain areas.
- Cognitive Impairment: Most people suffering from CFS don’t have a proper system for memory, concentration, and the ability to think on their feet.
- Post external Malaise: Pressure in any form can affect you and this one happens when you spend your time in activities. As its name denotes, it is known to affect the joints viciously after an hour of rigorous activity.
What are its causes?
The causes of Chronic Fatigue syndrome are unknown. However, researchers believe that the condition is caused due to,
1. Viral Infections
Viral infections are known to cause this unique disease. It is however believed that the culprit is a potent virus that had attacked the body previously.
It could be both Epstein-Barr and Herpes Virus that take a longer time to clear out from the system.
2. Immune System Dysfunction
Our immune system gets attacked in all the cases we are detected with a foreign body. It is not a simple thing and any disease of that stature is considered to be quite harmful.
Chronic fatigue syndrome can also be known to be caused by the malfunctioning of the complex immune system.
3. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones play a larger part in regulating our body, more than we would like to admit. It can be particularly important in determining the condition of our system and even a slight imbalance could have poor consequences.
Some researchers believe that when this happens, it could cause Chronic Fatigue syndrome along with other maladies.
4. Genetics
If we look at the diseases closely, we can always find a relation between the occurrence of diseases and the genetic element. Most people catch a disease due to their genetic predisposition and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also believed to be one of them.
Prevention for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
When it comes to preventing a disease, we need to know its root cause. In the case of this particular condition, we don’t know how or what causes it.
Therefore the preventive measures are decided on the perspective that maintaining these would contribute to overall well-being. Additionally, there is no way to prevent the disease, and some of the ways to stay healthy include,
1. Healthy Lifestyle
Anything that disrupts the normal conduct of the body could lead to diseases of various kinds. So to keep that in check, you may want to continue with a healthy lifestyle including a healthy diet with all the nutrients in their proper place.
It also means getting 8 hours of sound sleep and drinking lots of fluids. Stay away from substances that can harm the body in any way.
2. Stress Management
Stress has become a major part of our life and we say this in a disappointed way. Mostly known to affect adults, these days children are also being preyed on by this vicious condition.
In such a world where everything matters, keeping calm could be difficult. It means looking for ways to escape sound and doing yoga or meditation can help with this.
3. Avoid Overexertion
Since the condition is elevated by over-exerting your body, it is no wonder this becomes a preventative measure. The overexertion should be controlled when it comes to mind and body equally. Always time yourself when doing each task and don’t constantly push boundaries.
Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is known to be one of those conditions that have no cure yet. The researchers have developed a set of strategies to alleviate the severity of the symptoms that can even disrupt a normal life.
So some of the ways to treat the condition could mean,
1. Using Symptomatic Relief Medications: These medications are directed toward the specific conditions one might suffer from. It could range from one for the flu to a headache.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: In many cases, it is known to be caused by stress and over-exertion and that is when CBT comes into play.
3. Graded Exercise Therapy: This includes increasing the intensity of physical activities gradually.
4. Supportive Therapies: This includes any additional therapy given to aid the condition.
Conclusion
Though undocumented, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome could be hard to deal with. Its causes could be hard to understand but the symptoms are surely difficult to suffer from. This puts it on top of the list when it comes to alleviating pain.
Moreover, the causes make it difficult for us to deal with the preventive measures and this means concentrating more on the part of medications. Any medications should be taken only after consideration by the doctor.
This is especially true for CFS as it could lead to unforeseen consequences that are difficult to control. Support of your loved ones along with continuous therapy is known to provide some relief and should be your choice of course of action.
References:
- Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic fatigue syndrome: Information for healthcare providers. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/healthcare-providers/index.html. Accessed Nov. 23, 2022.
- Cairns R, et al. (2005). A systematic review describing the prognosis of chronic fatigue syndrome.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15699087/ - Chronic fatigue syndrome. (2021).
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/chronic-fatigue-syndrome
