Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: What You Need to Know

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: What You Need to Know

Sometimes, people experience fatigue for extended periods of time. After a while, they may start to wonder if there’s a medical explanation behind their fatigue. In some cases, they might be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition characterized by profound tiredness. It’s a chronic illness that’s both complex and common, affecting an estimated 2.5 million Americans. However, feeling tired often doesn’t mean you have the condition.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics you’ll want to know about chronic fatigue syndrome, including what to do if you think the symptoms apply to you. Keep reading to learn more.

What Exactly Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is marked by ongoing and profound tiredness. This tiredness can seem to feel endless, regardless of the amount of rest you get or the quality of that rest.

CFS is also medically referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Its symptoms typically worsen with physical and mental activity. Additionally, the condition can develop suddenly and last for years. It can present the following symptoms:

  • Headaches
  • Light sensitivity
  • Tenderness in the lymph nodes
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Dizziness or feeling faint when sitting or standing due to a drop in blood pressure
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Sore throat that comes and goes
  • Inability to focus and concentrate
  • Feeling exhausted after exerting physical or mental energy
  • Insomnia
  • Not feeling refreshed after sleeping
  • Forgetfulness
  • Mood swings
  • Confusion and brain fog
  • Low-grade fevers
  • Depression

Some people may feel that the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome often mimic those of the flu. However, these symptoms vary from person to person and can result from other health conditions.

What Can Trigger Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

The cause of CFS is still largely unknown. However, many people with CFS report their symptoms started after an infection or flu-like illness, such as the stomach flu or the common cold. CFS also commonly follows infections from the Epstein-Barr virus, which is the same virus that causes mononucleosis (mono). Physical activity and emotional stress can also trigger the condition, which means a number of factors can contribute to whether someone develops CFS.

How Chronic Fatigue System Is Diagnosed and Treated

When diagnosing CFS, physicians begin by ruling out any other possible conditions you may have. According to the Institute of Medicine, a CFS diagnosis requires the following criteria:

  • Severe and chronic tiredness lasting longer than six months
  • Fatigue that worsens after physical and mental activity or stress you were able to handle before the illness
  • The need to reduce physical activities you once enjoyed due to the overwhelming fatigue
  • Regular sleep that doesn’t leave you feeling refreshed

In addition to these criteria, you must also experience at least one of the above symptoms on top of the following issues:

  • Trouble thinking, especially under pressure
  • Orthostatic intolerance, which refers to the symptoms worsening while standing upright. Lying down and/or elevating the feet may ease these symptoms but won’t eliminate them completely

Depending on the severity and symptoms presented, physicians can determine a course of treatment that typically includes one or more of the following:

  • Medicine, including antidepressants and corticosteroids
  • Light-intensity aerobic exercise (avoiding vigorous physical activity)
  • Dietary and herbal supplements
  • Psychotherapy and other forms of counseling
  • Activity management, such as carefully balancing rest days and activity days to prevent flare-ups

Who Is Most at Risk?

It’s common for people who are experiencing consistent fatigue to wonder if they’re at risk for CFS. Because the primary causes of chronic fatigue syndrome are still unknown, it can be difficult to determine the populations who are most at risk for experiencing the condition. However, there are certain factors commonly seen in those with CFS, including:

  • Gender: CFS occurs up to two to four times more often in women compared to men.
  • Age: CFS often affects those who are middle-aged (45-50). Individuals of all ages can be at risk, although children do not develop the condition as often as adults or even adolescents or young adults.

What to Do If You Think You’re Experiencing Chronic Fatigue

Everyone experiences fatigue at some point. You may also have symptoms similar to those of chronic fatigue syndrome. What mark CFS for most people, however, are the duration and severity of its symptoms.

If you’re experiencing the symptoms listed above and notice that they’re worsening over time, you may have CFS. Of course, you don’t have to wait a full six months to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. The cause of your extreme fatigue may be a symptom of another condition, and getting an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible can help you obtain proper treatment.