Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease that was first named in the 1980s. Even now, as increasing numbers of people are being diagnosed with CFS, many people inside and outside the health professions still doubt its existence or maintain that it's a psychological ailment. People previously healthy and full of energy may experience a variety of symptoms, including extreme fatigue, weakness and headaches as well as difficulty concentrating and painful joints, muscles and lymph nodes. Typically CFS follows a viral infection (e.g. cold or viral stomach bug), and is sometimes found after mononucleosis infections. Non-specific symptoms of fatigue , tiredness , exhaustion , and aches make CFS difficult to diagnose and similar to other conditions such as lupus , multiple sclerosis , fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. People with CFS are often unable to perform normally at work and home because of their long-term fatigue and problems with short-term memory. The hallmark symptoms of CFS are overwhelming fatigue and weakness that make it extremely difficult to perform routine and daily tasks, like getting out of bed, dressing, and eating. The illness can severely affect school, work, and leisure activities, and cause physical and emotional symptoms that can last for months or even years.

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The common Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome :

Changes in the levels of hormones produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary glands or adrenal glands.

Iron deficiency anemia.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Virus infection, such as Epstein-Barr virus or human herpesvirus.

Dysfunction in the immune system.

Mild chronic low blood pressure (hypotension).

History of allergies.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Some Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome :

Headache.

Muscle and joint aches.

Persistent fatigue.

Fatigue from exertion.

Intermittent fatigue.

Tiredness.

Fatigue.

Tender lymph nodes.

Inability to concentrate.

Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Adjusting your daily routine so that you have regular sleep patterns can help.

Over the counter painkillers can help to ease muscle and joint pain and headaches. Stronger painkillers can also be prescribed by your GP, although they should only be for short-term use.

Medications to treat anxiety (antianxiety drugs)

Antidepressants can be useful for people who have depression with CFS.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may identify the thoughts and feelings causing certain behaviour, and help you develop new ways of coping. It's one of the most effective treatments for CFS.

Pacing is an important way of controlling symptoms. It means finding a balance between activity and rest, and avoiding large bursts of exercise that may set you back. Learning how to make the most of your energy can help to increase the amount you can do.

Medications to reduce pain, discomfort, and fever.

Juliet Cohen writes health articles for health diseases and disorders.