5 Key Causes Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome You Need To Know

Are there days when you feel so tired that you don’t want to move an inch? Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that can be hard to cope with. But you can adopt some strategies to make it easier. Knowing what to expect can help you manage your energy more efficiently. 

What you need to know:

• What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
• Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome
• Effects on daily activities and lifestyle
• Treatment and management strategies

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a long-term illness characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest and cannot be explained by an underlying medical condition. This debilitating disorder affects multiple body systems, including the immune, neurological, and endocrine systems, significantly impacting the quality of life of those affected.                                          

Differences between normal fatigue and chronic fatigue

Fatigue is a familiar feeling of exhaustion, often resulting from physical exertion, lack of sleep, or stress. Normal fatigue usually resolves with rest and a good night’s sleep. In contrast, chronic fatigue syndrome persists for at least six months and is not fixed by rest. Individuals with CFS often experience post-exertional malaise (PEM), where even minimal physical or mental exertion leads to severe worsening of symptoms.

Causes and risk factors

While the exact causes of chronic fatigue syndrome are still not fully understood, researchers think these factors are responsible for CFS:

• Weakened immune system

• Stress
• Hormonal imbalances
• Viral and bacterial infections
• Genetic history

Some particular viral and bacterial infections can also cause CFS, including:

• Rubella virus
• Human herpesvirus 6
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Ross river virus 
• Coxiella burnetii 
• Mycoplasma pneumonia

Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a challenging condition to diagnose. Performing any medical test that would screen for a CFS is not possible. Moreover, the symptoms of CFS are similar to those of many other conditions. As a result, to make a CFS diagnosis, your doctor must exclude other possible causes of your fatigue. Some of them could be:

• Mononucleosis
• Lyme disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Hypothyroidism
• Fibromyalgia
• Major depressive disorder
• Severe obesity
• Sleep disorders

Effects on daily activities and lifestyle

Chronic fatigue syndrome can cause individuals to struggle with basic tasks such as showering, cooking, and household chores. Many patients experience significant reductions in physical and cognitive functions, leading to difficulty maintaining employment or academic responsibilities. Social interactions and hobbies often diminish due to the exhaustion and discomfort caused by the syndrome.

Treatment and management strategies

At present, there is no particular treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. Since each person experiences different symptoms, they need different treatment methods and medications to cope with the symptoms. 

Future directions in CFS research

Chronic fatigue syndrome is still a complicated disease with no known cure or cause. Therefore, the recovery rate is as low as 5%. You must adjust to a disciplined state and be prepared for healthy lifestyle changes. These choices, such as avoiding social gatherings and junk food, may initially cause depression, anxiety, or social separation. Therefore, participating in a support group may be helpful when it comes to making decisions. 

CFS affects everyone differently, so it is crucial to design a care plan with your physician that is more focused on you. If you still face issues, connect with health professionals and therapists to reach your highest potential. 

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