A visual guide to chronic fatigue syndrome

This is an automatically translated article.

Chronic fatigue is a disease with an increasing incidence in recent years in many different age groups. This condition has a lot of impact on work and life and can lead to depression, isolation from the outside world and severe physical weakness. The following article will introduce readers to information about chronic fatigue syndrome.

1. What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex disease. The severity of the disease can vary from mild to severe. Patients may experience this state of complete incapacity with debilitating symptoms, fatigue, and a host of other manifestations. CFS is characterized by fatigue so severe that it interferes with daily activities and cannot be relieved by bed rest.

2. Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

So far, the cause of the disease is still unknown, but there are many theories that suggest that CFS is related to many factors such as viral infection, poisoning. In addition, an overreaction of the immune system is also considered to be the cause of the disease. There are some other causes such as:
Patients after trauma to the head and other places on the body, patients after surgery. Chronic stress is linked to the hormone cortisol and female sex hormones with this disease. Use of beta blockers, antidepressants or long-term antibiotic therapy. Excessive physical activity for a long time. Idiopathic chronic fatigue

3. Disease risk factors

The risk factors for chronic fatigue are:
The disease can occur in many different ages, genders, races. The disease is more common in women than men with a ratio of 4:1 and occurs between the ages of 25 and 45 years. It can also sometimes be seen in children or the elderly. The disease has a high incidence in developing countries.

4. What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome can be recognized through the following signs:
4.1. Severe fatigue Most patients begin to feel lethargic and persist for a long time afterward with a period of at least 6 months. Fatigue is aggravated by strenuous physical or mental activities. This can lead to sleep disorders and cause many effects on life and health.
4.2. Recurrent pain Patients with CFS may experience pain in various organs such as headache, sore throat, muscle pain, and joint pain. The joints may be sore without any signs of redness or swelling. The cause of these symptoms is still poorly understood, but pain can often be controlled with medication or physical therapy.
4.3. Some other symptoms In addition to fatigue and pain are two common symptoms, people with chronic fatigue disease may experience such as:
Memory impairment Loss of concentration at school or work Sleep disturbance Body weakness Dizziness

4.4. Chronic fatigue syndrome in children CFS is very rare in children and is only common in adolescence or adulthood. Fortunately, children with CFS are more likely to improve than older patients. If unfortunately your child is diagnosed with CFS, consult a therapist to create an individualized exercise and management program. In addition, it is advisable to find constructive measures so that the child can easily overcome.

5. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome

Currently there is no definitive diagnostic test for CFS, but your doctor may order a blood test or an EEG to rule out other conditions. CFS is diagnosed with the following symptoms:
Severe fatigue that has persisted for more than 6 months, is not diagnosed by another condition, and is not substantially relieved by rest. Discomfort after strenuous activities that shouldn't have caused problems before the illness. Insomnia or sleep disturbances. Cognitive decline. Body fatigue when standing and feeling much better sitting down CFS tends to follow a cyclical pattern. Symptoms often occur in a sequence that includes first a period of intense fatigue, followed by a period of well-being. Most people with CFS experience worsening of symptoms after strenuous physical or mental activity and should see a specialist to determine the right activity level for you.

6. Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

To date there is no cure for CFS and there is no specific prescription medicine to treat it. There are treatments available to help relieve symptoms such as pain or poor sleep quality.
6.1. Medication Use Medicines are mainly used to relieve symptoms, such as trouble sleeping and chronic pain. Certain medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants, help relieve pain and improve sleep. It should be noted that in low doses, this drug does not work to treat depression, only has the effect of causing sleep and pain relief. In addition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also help relieve pain. Before using it, be sure to ask your doctor about the benefits and side effects of any medication, even over-the-counter ones.
6.2. Consult the experts A counselor can help you deal with the burden that chronic fatigue syndrome brings. Although some studies have concluded that a specific form of therapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be helpful, important questions have been raised about conducting such studies. This is the biggest rescue.
6.3. Complementary therapy Complementary therapies, sometimes called alternative therapies, seem to have helped some patients manage pain caused by CFS. These therapies include stretching, toning exercises, massage, tai chi, yoga, hydrotherapy and relaxation techniques. In addition, acupuncture is also a traditional medicine therapy that has a great effect on pain treatment.
6.3. Get enough nutrients Some studies have suggested that taking supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, may be helpful in people with CFS. It should be noted that supplements can interact with prescribed medications that may decrease their effectiveness or cause harm to the body. Therefore, consult your doctor before starting use.
6.4.Beware of scams There are now many functional foods that are advertised as nutritional and vitamin supplements for the treatment of chronic fatigue. Be wary of these claims and keep in mind: First, the manufacture of dietary supplements is not regulated to the same extent as prescription drugs, as a result some may contain impurities. hazardous. Second, almost no supplements have been tested in rigorous scientific studies involving large numbers of people.

7. Health care for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

7.1. Nutritionally Adequate Diet Physicians recommend a balanced diet for patients with CFS, but no specific dietary strategy is widely accepted. Foods rich in essential fatty acids especially omega-3 fatty acids found in nuts, seeds and cold water fish can reduce fatigue. Others find their symptoms can be made worse by certain foods or chemicals, including refined sugars, caffeine and alcohol.
7.2. Ensuring quality sleep Most people with CFS have a sleep disorder that causes them to wake up unsettled each morning, sometimes waking for no apparent reason. In addition, people with CFS may have trouble sleeping, have restless limbs, and have many dreams. To create healthy sleep habits, you should establish a regular bedtime routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
7.3. The link between CFS and depression CFS is not a mental illness, nor is it a form of depression. However, up to half of CFS patients become depressed during the course of the illness. This may be the result of difficulty adjusting to life with a chronic debilitating condition. If a person with CFS also develops depression, it usually responds well to treatment. Thus, managing depression may contribute to reversing CFS.
Chronic fatigue has an increasingly high prevalence due to many causes. Early care and treatment will limit the risk of dangerous complications occurring.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of diseases. When performing the examination process at Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and used modern facilities and equipment along with perfect medical services under the guidance and advice of experts. Good doctors, well-trained both at home and abroad.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: webmd.com