How to treat chronic fatigue?

This is an automatically translated article.

This article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Van Thai - Neurosurgeon - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition. Fatigue can get worse with physical activity or with mental problems. The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is still unknown.
Some experts believe that chronic fatigue syndrome can be triggered by a combination of factors. Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome focuses on reducing symptoms of the disease.

1. Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue

Signs and symptoms of this chronic fatigue may include:
Fatigue Loss of memory or difficulty concentrating Sore throat Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or armpits Unexplained muscle or joint pain Headaches Insomnia Exhaustion that lasts more than 24 hours after exercise or intense work When to see a doctor:
Fatigue can be a symptom of many diseases, such as infections or psychological disorders. In general, a person should see a doctor if they experience persistent fatigue or excessive fatigue that interferes with daily living.

2. Causes of disease

People with chronic fatigue syndrome have symptoms of being hypersensitive to everyday activities such as exercise and normal activities.
Why this happens in some people and not in others, doctors still don't know the exact cause. Some people may be born with a predisposition to this disorder, which is then triggered by a combination of several factors.

3. Who is prone to chronic fatigue syndrome?

Factors that may increase the risk of chronic fatigue syndrome include:
Age: Chronic fatigue syndrome can occur at any age, but it is more common in people in their 40s and 40s. 50. Gender: Women are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome much more often than men. Stress: may contribute to the onset of chronic fatigue syndrome.

4. Complications of chronic fatigue syndrome

Possible complications of chronic fatigue syndrome include:
Depression Body weakness Social isolation Affects daily activities Frequent absences from work

5. Diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue

Because the cause is not understood and the symptoms can be confused with other diseases, it is difficult for doctors to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome.
According to the Institute of Medicine, as of 2015, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome occurs in approximately 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans. However, it is estimated that the remaining 84% to 91% of patients remain undiagnosed. Currently, there is no test to screen for chronic fatigue syndrome because its symptoms are similar to many other illnesses.
To receive a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, your doctor will rule out other causes and review your medical history. Your doctor will check and confirm that you have the symptoms of this syndrome mentioned above and how the duration and severity of this unexplained fatigue affects your health. daily life.
Due to the similarity between the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and many other diseases, the patient should not self-diagnose but need a diagnosis from a doctor

6. Chronic Fatigue Treatment

Currently there is no way to treat persistent fatigue, treatment mainly focuses on reducing symptoms of the disease.
6.1 Medication
Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome have depression. Treating your depression can make it easier for you to deal with the problems associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Using low doses of some antidepressants can also help improve sleep and reduce pain.
6.2 Therapy
The most effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome is a combination of cognitive training and gentle exercise.
Cognitive training. Talking to a counselor can help you find options for overcoming some of the limitations that chronic fatigue syndrome places on you. When you feel that you have more control over your body, your life can be significantly improved according to your wishes.
6.3 Lifestyle changes
Making some lifestyle changes can help reduce the symptoms of this syndrome such as:
Limiting or not drinking caffeine, nicotine and alcohol can help you sleep better and reduce insomnia sleep. Don't take a nap so you'll be more likely to fall asleep at night. Make it a habit to go to bed and wake up at the same time. 6.4 Maintain an exercise routine
Patients should seek advice from their doctor or physical therapist to help determine what type of exercise is best for you. Inactive people often start with simple mobility and stretching exercises for just a few minutes a day. Gradually increasing the amount and duration of exercise over time can help reduce exercise hypersensitivity, just as allergy shots gradually decrease a person's sensitivity to allergens. response.
6.5 Alternative treatments
Acupuncture, tai chi, yoga, and massage can help relieve pain and fatigue caused by chronic fatigue syndrome. However, people need to talk to their doctor before starting any alternative or complementary treatments.
Currently, at the Mental Health Clinic - Vinmec International General Hospital is considered the leading facility in the country in the treatment of diseases related to psychological health, including insomnia. chronic fatigue, chronic fatigue.
The clinic has modern equipment and a team of doctors who are lecturers from Hanoi Medical University, capable of performing psychological tests and intensive psychotherapy for medical examination and treatment.
MSc. Doctor Nguyen Van Phi - Psychology Specialist, Vinmec Times City International Hospital: with 07 years of experience working as a lecturer at Hanoi Medical University and a member of the Vietnam Psychiatric Association Male. MSc. Dr. Pham Thanh Luan - Psychologist, Vinmec Times City International Hospital: with 05 years of experience in researching, examining and treating diseases of the Psychology specialty, trained at prestigious universities trust, practice in-depth expertise in the French Republic. MSc. Doctor Nguyen Trong Hien - Psychologist, Vinmec Times City International Hospital: with 06 years as a lecturer in Psychology - Hanoi Medical University and Central Geriatric Hospital with the same experience Researching, examining and treating diseases under the specialty of Psychology such as: Emotional disorders, Stress related disorders and body dysmorphic disorders, developmental disorders in children, adolescents & childbearing period. ... Doctor Nguyen Van Thai has many years of experience in the examination and treatment of internal neurological diseases at Cho Ray Hospital. Currently, he is a doctor at the Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

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