Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that does not disappear even after a break and cannot be explained as an underlying disease. CFS is also known as muscular encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic motor hypersensitivity (SEID). The cause of CFS is not yet clear. However, some studies have shown that it is caused by viral infection, psychological stress, or a combination of factors. It is difficult to diagnose CFS because no single cause has been identified and various health conditions show similar symptoms. In addition, there is no diagnostic test for CFS, so doctors should rule out other causes that cause fatigue when deciding to diagnose. For this reason, it was a controversial diagnosis, but it is now widely accepted as a medical condition. This condition can affect anyone, but it most commonly occurs in women in their 40s and 50s. There is no perfect treatment yet, but treatment can relieve symptoms to some extent.
Why does it happen?
As mentioned earlier, a single clear cause has not yet been identified. However, according to medical experts, complex factors are known to affect and may include:
· Viruses
· Stress
· hormonal imbalance
· weakening of the immune system
Also, some people may be genetically predisposed to developing CFS. A single type of infection that causes CFS has not yet been found, but some viral infections studied in relation include:
· Epstein-Bar-Virus (EBV)
· HUMAN HERPES VIRUS 6
· Los River Virus (RRV)
· rubella virus
Infections caused by bacteria including Coxiella Burnetti and Mycoplasmapneumaniae were also studied in relation to chronic fatigue. As such, CFS may not be one specific condition, but may be the final stage of several different conditions. These viral infections are more likely to cause chronic fatigue. Statistics show that women are more likely to be diagnosed than men, mainly in their 40s and 50s. Other factors that may increase risk include:
· genetic predisposition
· Allergic
· Stress
· environmental factors
What are the symptoms?
Chronic fatigue symptoms vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition, and the most common symptom is severe fatigue enough to interfere with daily activities. To diagnose CFS, a condition in which the ability to perform routine activities with fatigue is significantly reduced must last at least 6 months and cannot be treated with sleep. In addition, you experience extreme fatigue after physical or mental activity called fatigue (PEM) after exercise, which can last about 24 hours after activity. In addition, CFS can cause the following sleep problems.
· It doesn't feel fresh after sleeping at night
· chronic insomnia
· Other sleep disorders
· memory loss
· a decrease in concentration
· Stand-up intolerance (dizzy or faint in severe cases when moving from a lying or sitting position)
The physical symptoms of CFS are as follows.
· muscle pain
· frequent headaches
· frequent sore throat
· swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpit
Chronic fatigue periodically affects some people, and there is a period when they feel bad and then better. Symptoms may completely disappear, which is called 'relief'. However, it can reappear later, and the cycle of remission and recurrence can make symptoms difficult to manage.
Diagnosis
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a very difficult condition to diagnose. This is because there is no special medical examination to screen this condition. In addition, the symptoms that may occur are similar to those that appear in other health conditions. Not only that, but it is difficult to diagnose because many people with CFS do not appear to be sick. To be diagnosed with this condition, the doctor will review the patient's history, excluding other potential causes. You will also check if there are any of the above-mentioned key symptoms. Excluding other potential causes of chronic fatigue is a key part of the diagnostic process. Some conditions with symptoms similar to CFS are as follows.
▶ Mononucleosis, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, lupus (SLE), hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, major depressive disorders, severe obesity, sleep disorders, etc
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