experience lack of peaceful sleep, intermittent headaches and overwhelming

exhaustion while other people experience anywhere from 4 to 30 full-blown

symptoms which occur simultaneously. While there are a lot of symptoms

oftentimes associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, there are a few that

are commonly reported by patients. Among them are the following:

Overwhelming fatigue – People with this syndrome wake up like they just got

hit by a truck and feel worn out all day. There are, however, periods which

run from a few hours to several hours a day when they feel a bit better.

What most of them try to do during these periods is to make up from the

lost time they stayed rested in the bed. This backfires on them and they

rebound to being exhausted. Whenever they try to do physical activities or

exercises, they would get drained easily and would feel worse the next day.

Recurrent infections – Among the major symptoms of CFS is infection which

may manifest as sore throat, recurrent sinusitis, bladder infection,

swollen glands and other respiratory infections. Some patients experience

recurrent rash that may or may not go away with antibiotics. Digestive

complaints such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramps and gas are

also very common which are caused basically by the build-up of yeast in the

bowel, or by parasitic infection or by spastic colon.

Brain Fog – While overwhelming fatigue is one of the most debilitating

symptoms a patient of CFS can experience, the scariest, however, is brain

fog. Not a few patients complain of this symptom which may affect their

short term memory, their concentration, and their ability to substitute

words with another. Some of them also experience brief disorientation which

may last anywhere from half a minute to one minute.

Frequent Aches and Pains – Muscle pain and multiple joint pains are very

common among CFS patients. These are said to be products of lack of

sufficient rest or disordered sleep, yeast infections, impaired thyroid

glands and lack of nutrition in the body.

Increased thirst – Patients of CFS drink two to three times more water than

average individuals. This is caused by hormonal problems which lead to

increased urine output.

Allergies – Because of yeast overgrowth and other conditions occurring in

the body of a fatigue patients, allergies and food sensitivities are very

common. By removing the causes, of course, the allergies can be removed.

However, these patients have histories of poor response towards allergy

medications.

Weight gain – With or without change in diet, fatigue patients experience

20 to 50 pounds weight gain. Apart from lack of activities, the packing up

of pounds is also contributed by hormonal changes.

Depression and anxiety – The development of these psychological problems

push healthcare providers back to the classic chicken and egg question:

does fatigue cause anxiety and depression or is it a product of these

psychological conditions? As of yet, no one is certain. It is proposed,

however, that some factors are instrumental in aggravating these conditions

including poor nutrition and general sense of illness.

Reduced libido – Because of hormonal deficiencies, pain and the general

feeling of being sick, people affected by CFS have decreased libido.

Fortunately, this improves through medication and therapy.

You probably have recognized yourself from reading the above list. If you

think you are suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it would be in your

best interest to consult a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable in this

disorder.

syndrome than men. However, it isn’t a factor to be considered for the

condition. Experts believe that it could be that more women report their

conditions more than men do to the doctor. The syndrome affects most people

who are in their 40s or 50s, but chronic fatigue illness is a health

problem that individuals of all ages can be affected with.

The problem with this syndrome is definite risk factors are yet to be

determined and confirmed by the doctors as there is no exact cause known to

trigger the illness. The most common condition that affects the patient is

a flu-like illness, which, in most times, drains the energy and lasts for

years. And another problem with it is even the people who are previously

full of energy and healthy can be targets of various chronic fatigue

syndrome symptoms.

The common signs and symptoms associated to CFS are similar to typical

viral infections. However, unlike these infections, they can last longer

than just a few days. The tricky part is the symptoms can appear and go as

frequently without identifiable pattern. The persistent fatigue is

accompanied by other primary symptoms and signs. These include:

• Sore throat, expanded lymph nodes in the armpits or neck
• Muscle soreness or pains, join pains, redness or swelling
• New headache type
• Sleep disturbance
• Loss of concentration, and even memory
• Extreme physical exhaustion that lasts 24 hours following mental or

physical exercise.

Other signs and symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating, allergies, chest

pain, diarrhea, chronic cough, dizziness, fainting, and balance problems,

dry mouth, jaw pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, earache, night sweats and

chills, weight loss/gain, breath shortage, visual disturbances, and

tingling sensations. There are also psychological problems added, such as

irritability, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and depression.

Chronic fatigue syndrome can also produce possible complications. They can

be depression, adverse reactions and side effects from medical treatments

or de-conditioning, lifestyle restrictions, social isolation, and missing

work.

Most doctors, scientists, and researches believe that the patient can be

diagnosed with the syndrome when a minimum of four symptoms or persistent

fatigue have occurred for or over six months.

When to Ask for Medical Advice

It is time to seek medical advice when excessive fatigue or the symptoms,

such as psychological disorders and infections, continue to persist. If the

condition is preventing you from participating in normal daily activities,

whether at home, at work or at school, you need to see a qualified doctor

to give you medical attentions.

Emotional Support to the Patients

If you suffer with symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, they may peak

early on and can become bothersome and then gradually decrease over time.

To some other patients, recovering can occur completely while others go

worse. Whatever the condition of the patient, it is advised that counseling

and emotional support from family and friends know how to deal with

restrictions and uncertainties resulting from chronic fatigue syndrome.

The patient is best to go if they can join any support group or meet

people, depending on the case, to avoid worsening the condition. But in the

case that the condition is different and support groups do not make the

patient comfortable, it is better to leave them alone than add to the

stress.

persists for a long time, it can lead to serious other health troubles

specifically related to the immune system. In most cases, chronic fatigue

is suffered by almost all people – those who have hectic schedule, bad

lifestyle habit, and even those who have complete sleeping hours.

So, if you find yourself having bouts of the symptoms, perhaps it is time

for you to check your lifestyle and health habits. Here are some simple yet

proven ways to overcome or avoid the illness.

Keeping Healthy

Though there are other causes, fatigue and tiredness often is the result

when you have chronic flu which lasts for months. The lack of proper

nutrition in your body decreases the immune system; therefore, making your

body weak and more susceptible to sicknesses. Vitamin C is a great booster

to your immune system so include this in your diet along with healthy food

intake and enough rest.

Managing Stress Level

High stress level is never good for anyone’s health condition as it makes

you get tired so easily. High stress level is often achieved when you are

having heated arguments with another, having problems at the office, having

a conflict with another that cause your anger or emotional level to rise

up. When you can’t manage your stress level, it is easy for you to be

targeted by the chronic fatigue syndrome. But the good news is it is easy

to get rid of your stress. Just try to do exercises, maybe a walk on

weekends around the park or any kind of exercise regimen that will refresh

and relax your body.

Avoiding Too Much Night Activities

It isn’t always easy to avoid the night life. It just feels good to visit

the local nightclub, search for restaurants offering unique foods, and hang

out with friends. However, being up until early in the morning is never

good for the body as it is meant to rest a certain amount of time. It

causes fatigue the following morning especially if you are going for work

or school.

Avoiding Caffeine as Energy Booster

Coffee has always been the good companion especially of people who need to

wake up in the middle of the day and at night. But using it as energy

booster can lead to health problems as it only gives temporary measures and

can aggravate chronic fatigue condition.

Drinking Dark Chocolate

It is found at the pilot study that eating or drinking dark chocolate which

has high contents of cocoa is good for overcoming chronic fatigue syndrome.

This is because it contains a chemical, serotonin, which has been found to

be responsible for giving benefits to the brain.

Also, dark chocolates contain polyphenols, another chemical which was found

to have great benefits in reducing blood pressure. It can also provide

relief to patients who suffer with chronic fatigue. So, instead of coffee,

you may opt to take dark chocolate into your diet to help overcome your

fatigue problems.

Chronic fatigue is an illness that one must never neglect as it can lead to

more serious problems. Avoiding it to go serious by taking the above simple

ways will bring significant impact to your life. Living a simpler life is

always one effective way of leading a healthy lifestyle, free of illnesses,

which not to mention, can be very expensive to attend to.

infections despite the fact that doctors have yet to determine the exact

cause of this debilitating ailment. In fact, most of the symptoms of

chronic fatigue syndrome such as extreme exhaustion, muscle pains,

tenderness in the joints, severe headache and lack of energy are also

symptoms found in various viral infections such as flu.

Thus, to help combat the symptoms of CFS, it is important to stop the

progress of these viruses and keep the immune system strong to help prevent

future viral infections.

When it comes to boosting the immune system, one of the best ways is to go

natural – meaning, to turn to natural alternative remedies such as herbs.

Aside from Korean ginseng, astragalus, ginkgo biloba, echinacea and

licorice root, there are several other herbal remedies that individuals

suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome can try.

Most of these herbal remedies are easily available. Here are some of them:

Siberian ginseng – This herb increases the body’s resistance to stress and

fatigue as well as several diseases. It is also widely praised for its

efficacy in increasing mental alertness. It also has strong antioxidant

properties. These make Siberian ginseng a recommended herbal remedy for the

symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. However, it is important to use a

standardized Siberian ginseng extract that contains 0.5% eleutheroside E

and take 100-200 milligrams two times daily since the herb has its optimal

potency at this dosage. It is best to take Siberian ginseng once in the

morning and once in the afternoon.

Garlic – Since ancient times, garlic has been known for its antibiotic

properties. It contains the chemical alicin, which helps kill many types of

bacteria and viruses. Garlic also has antioxidant effects. Garlic can be

taken either raw or cooked. If you don’t like the taste of garlic, you can

also choose supplements that have high garlic content.

Burdock – A type of thistle, burdock is known for its diuretic and

diaphoretic properties. It is also known as a blood-purifying agent. Taking

burdock is an excellent way to flush away the toxins that cause several

disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine, the greater burdock is also

used extensively especially for treating dandruff and hair loss.

Carrot juice with kelp and bee pollen – This combination creates an

excellent tonic drink that is perfect for boosting your energy level

whenever you feel the effects of fatigue wear you down. This combination is

highly recommended as a perk-me-up for individuals with low-blood pressure.

Goldenseal – This herb is used widely to control infections. In cases of

sore throat, goldenseal extracts are recommended to help soothe it. All you

have to do is to take a few drops of goldenseal extract – the alcohol-free

variety – and hold it in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing.

However, it is advised that goldenseal should not be taken on a daily basis

for more than a week. Pregnant women should also not sue goldenseal. For

individuals with history of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, it is

important to consult your doctor first and use goldenseal under your

doctor’s supervision.

Cat’s claw – This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory and

immune-boosting properties. Ideal dosage is 250 mg of standardized cat’s

claw extract taken thrice daily with gradual increases in dosage over a

period of four weeks until you reach a thousand milligrams taken three

times per day.

Cat’s claw is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers. Individuals

using anticoagulant are also advised to use cat’s claw with caution.

Characterized by conditions of extreme exhaustion lasting for a prolonged

period of time, chronic fatigue syndrome also comes with several other

symptoms such as muscle and joint pains, tenderness of the lymph nodes,

recurring sore throat, impaired short memory, and severe headache. The

underlying causes of this debilitating disease are not yet known.

Researchers have theorized that CFS might be caused by viral infections.

This is supported by the fact that CFS and symptoms of flu are quite

similar. However, rest and medication can relieve flu. Unfortunately, there

is no known cure yet for chronic fatigue syndrome. Treatments and

medications for CFS are mostly aimed at relieving the various symptoms that

accompany a CFS attack. Doctors use a combination of non-drug therapies and

medications to treat the symptoms of CFS.

Many doctors advocate the use of natural and herbal remedies to treat CFS.

Herbal medicines have been used for centuries to treat various diseases. An

herbal regimen for chronic fatigue syndrome may include tonics to help

boost the immune system, increase the body’s energy level, improve

digestive efficiency and restore strength to the muscles. Foods that help

the body increase its absorption of minerals are also recommended. There

are also deep immune tonics that strengthen the body’s supply of bone

marrow and replenish the immune reserves.

Adrenal tonics and adaptogens also help boost the adrenal glands to enhance

the body’s energy level and fight off stress. Antiviral herbs can be used

to combat opportunistic viral infections, especially when combined with

immune and adrenal strengthening herbs. Herbs can also be used to relax the

nervous system and improve sleep. Some herbs have been used for ages to

soothe frazzled nerves and combat stress. Here are some herbs that can be

used to treat symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome:

• Dang Gui – This herb is a small, aromatic, fern-leafed plant native to

China and related to the parsley family is best known for its blood

strengthening properties. It revitalizes the blood and is also known to

boost the health of the uterus and other female generative organs. Dan Gui

is used to treat anemia, irregular menstruation, and for treating the

symptoms of PMS and menopause. Dang Gui can be taken in various forms:

tincture, capsule, tablet, powder and bulk herb.

• Gentian – This is a bitter tonic that acts as a digestive stimulant. It

is usually taken15-30 minutes before meals and is typically combined with

other herbs. Studies have reveled that gentian has immune-strengthening

properties. It is usually given to patients to help in the absorption and

assimilation of nutrients, enhancement of energy levels and improvement of

immune function.

• Ligustrum – This herb can be used as a deep immune tonic to strengthen

the immune system and fight off the harmful effects of overwork and stress.

It is also used to nourish the liver and the adrenal glands and as a

treatment for nausea, low back pain and palpitations. Ligustrum is even

used in cancer treatments because of its potency.

• Siberian Ginseng – This herb has immune-regulating and adaptogenic

properties. This makes Siberian ginseng a good treatment for fatigue,

exhaustion, immune deficiency and other stress-related disorders. As an

adaptogen, Siberian ginseng helps patients adapt to stress. This herb is

also helpful in treating chronic inflammatory conditions. Taking Siberian

ginseng also helps increase energy levels.

effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. People with chronic

fatigue syndrome are trapped in a downward spiral. They suffer from extreme

exhaustion and muscle pains, thus the need to have as much rest as

possible. However, having too much rest leads to a sedentary lifestyle

which has several detrimental effects to the body. Decreased physical

activity leads to muscle wasting and loss of bone mass. But regular

exercise can help stop that downward trend and replace it with more

positive cycle.

Exercise has a number of benefits. Starting a regular exercise routine

leads to increased performance and strengthened muscles. This, in turn

results to a more optimistic outlook. Research has also revealed that

exercise helps combat anxiety and depression. This may be the result of a

combination of the release of endorphins (the body’s natural pain killers)

and the sense of fulfillment at being able to improve the body’s functions.

Exercise also helps strengthen the cardiovascular system.

Individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome should first consult their doctor

to determine if they are fit and ready to perform strenuous physical

activities such as exercise.  To embark on an exercise program without

ascertaining if the patient is ready for it can be very dangerous. A

patient should first get the approval of his/her doctor before attempting

any form of strenuous exercise.

They can then start with gentle exercise routines that will be slowly and

gradually increased in intensity and frequency. A physical therapist can

also be hired to develop an exercise program that is custom-fit for the

patient and his particular condition.

Some good exercise routines for people with chronic fatigue syndrome

include swimming, walking, aerobic exercises, rowing machine, and riding a

stationary bike. Activities that worsen fatigue and the other symptoms of

chronic fatigue syndrome should be avoided. These include weightlifting,

playing basketball, etc. Meanwhile, stretching and other relaxation

exercises such as yoga, tai chi, breathing exercises and more are helpful

in stimulating lymph flow and producing a sense of well-being in the

patient without overexertion.

For an exercise program to be effective, it should become a regular

activity. Ideally, a person should exercise daily. When starting an

exercise program, the duration and frequency can be as little as five

minutes per day or even less. Every week, the duration can be increased by

increments of several minutes. The patient can progress from five minutes

to a full hour or more of exercise per day within a few months.

The patient must exercise caution at all times to prevent overexertion,

which can lead to worsening of the symptoms of chronic fatigue. Overdoing

exercise when the patient isn’t feeling well can lead to an overall

performance decline. If the patient overexerts himself, this will

inevitably result to several days of muscle pain, which necessitates rest.

When this happens, the patient might relapse into that downward trend of

non-activity and sedentary lifestyle.

Recent studies have revealed that people with chronic fatigue syndrome have

a rather distorted perception of muscular activity.  They might not be able

to determine how much exercise they have already done or when it is time to

stop and rest.

If the goal of exercise is to regain muscle strength, it is very important

to get the advice and approval of a doctor or specialist before starting on

an exercise program.

the physical illnesses. It may be painful to some to do it but it is in

fact the simplest way if you don’t want to be affected with health

disturbances. One of the most common illnesses that people complain about

is the CFS, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

It is sometimes called post-viral fatigue, Epstein-Barr or myalgic

encephalomyelitis disease. At other times, this is referred to as the

chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, or simply CFIDS. This CFS

illness is often considered yuppie flu, or hypochondriacal behavior.

Recently, health experts agreed that the illness is distinct and has

physical symptoms.

The most common symptom is an unexplained fatigue feeling, in which it can

not be easily relieved by some rest. Other physical symptoms are:

• Muscle or joint pains or weakness
• Unexplained headaches
• Bowel problems
• Poor concentration
• Confusion
• Forgetfulness
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Poor temperature control
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia

Some Causes

It was never understood what causes chronic fatigue syndrome. However,

there are conditions which believed to trigger chronic fatigue syndrome

such as toxins and virus infection. In some studies, the disease can be

related to physical inactivity, immune system problems, low blood pressure,

hypoglycemia, overwork, stress, hormonal imbalance, brucellosis, and

colitis. Regardless, chronic fatigue syndrome is not a simple health case

that can be ignored as it can provide major disturbance on the patient’s

quality of life.

Not Easy to Diagnose

It is often hard to detect if one is suffering with chronic fatigue

syndrome. In many cases, it would go for years before a patient is found to

have the illness. The reason is there are not any laboratory tests that can

confirm or diagnose such illness. The diagnosis can only be made if the

patient exhibits no other causes, including drugs’ side effects.

If the patient suffers four from the eight symptoms stated below, they can

be diagnosed with chronic fatigue illness.

• Short-term memory impairment or difficulty in concentration
• Tender lymph node
• Sore throat
• Multi-joint pains
• Muscle pains
• Headaches
• Un-refreshing sleep; and
• Fatigue that lasts more than a day.

If four, or more, of the above symptoms are suffered by the patient for six

consecutive months, they will be officially and medically diagnosed with

the syndrome. Otherwise, the condition will be most diagnosed as another

illness, the idiopathic chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue syndrome may not

sound serious to others, but this can be frustrating illness to others as

the effects can be so much troublesome to most especially it entails daily

life style. What is worse about is it can affect people of all walks of

life, whether children or adult.

The problem with diagnosis is also the reason why there is no known exact

number of people suffering from the syndrome. Only an estimation of half

million Americans were suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Women are

found to suffer more than men, though the statistic is not clear whether

the illness affects more women due to a different condition and lifestyle

or if only that women report their condition more than men do.

Regardless of which, it is always advised that proper health care is

practiced all the time as it is one way to avoid CFS, or any illness, for

that matter.

treatments. Some of them recover after drastic changes in lifestyle, some

of them are more responsive to pharmacological treatments. Here are the

most common treatment modalities to which CFS patients are subjected and to

which most of them respond well.

Self-Care/Management Techniques
Some patients can facilitate self-care treatments. This can be done by

monitoring the level and pacing of activities such that prolonged and

extreme levels of exhaustion are prevented. This can also be done by

preventing the urge to rest. Since CFS is not relieved through rest,

regardless of the duration, health care professionals do not advise the

patients to rest excessively. Some form of physical activity must be

maintained. This is oftentimes recommended by the physician. When trying to

manage the symptoms of the disorder by yourself, it is best to keep the

pacing and the level of the activities under control. Otherwise, symptoms

may occur at a more debilitating rate.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a psychological therapy that

delivers relief of symptoms but not necessarily cure. This helps the

patients understand their conditions and can therefore better guide them in

forming their beliefs, perception and attitudes towards the syndrome. It is

believed that through a more accurate depiction of the condition, the

patient can better respond to the symptoms and they can cause lesser

inhibition of the recurrence of their symptoms.

Graded Exercise Therapy
This therapy involves the introduction of incremental changes in the

patients’ levels of activity. While concrete evidence are yet to be

established, many experts believe that integration of activities is very

important in managing the disease. Under this therapy then, the patient

will have to monitor his own activities and exercises. As the therapy

progresses, he moves to higher intensities until he gets back to the doing

activities he normally participated in prior to the onset of the condition.

Pharmacological Treatments
Managements of the conditions through pharmacological treatments can

involve the following medications:

Antidepressants are primarily used to manage mood swings and secondary

depression. Low dosage antidepressants, on the other hand, are helpful in

managing sleep disturbance and pain.

Autonomic nervous system stimulants are used to help improve concentration

and short-term memory which are greatly affected by the disorder.

NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are prescribed to CFS

patients to relieve them from muscle and joint pains.

Anxiolyticagents are used to target symptoms of anxiety.

CAM or Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The use of dietary supplements in managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is

central in alleviating the symptoms of CFS. According to some pilot

studies, supplements of Carnitine, essential fatty acids, Magnesium and

polynutrient supplements have shown strong indications of symptom reduction

among patients.

Because the origins of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are not yet fully

understood, treatment options are more directed to managing the symptoms

and not really in curing the disorder. The main objective in producing

relief from symptoms is to reinstate the conditions of the person as well

as his well-being prior to the onset of the disorder.

As a result, majority of sufferers do not fully recover and even if they

do, they recover gradually. For people who expect better and faster

recovery, frustrations often ensue which for most of the cases, worsen the

condition.  It is therefore recommended to undergo a treatment at a

very slow but well-managed pace.

exhaustion which is usually caused by physical exertion, mental stress and

sickness.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, on the other hand, is a group of symptoms or

conditions that result to various other symptoms such as decreased mental

acuity and flu-like illness and excessive fatigue. A type that will not

afford its sufferers with enough energy to move freely. The difference

between the two is demonstrated once full-blown symptoms occur and when

they last for at least 6 months, that’s when it becomes chronic.

• What are the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

There are various symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and in order to

determine the presence of this condition, a patient must possess at least

four of the following: post-exertional malaise which persists for more than

24 hours, muscle pains, joint pain, sleep difficulties or sleep that does

not lend energy to the individual, frequent severe headaches, sore throat

that is persistent and recurring, decreased mental clarity, poor memory and

impaired concentration, and tenderness of the lymph nodes that are located

in the neck and armpit.

• What are the causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

While the exact causes of CFS are not yet identified, there are strong

indications that cause can be divided into three types: immune

system-related, viral and non-viral pathogens and stress-related. There are

also indications that CFS is triggered by the combination of these causes.

For some people, the onset of the condition begins after contracting an

infection; for others it begins after a prolonged period of exposure to

stress.

There are also some patients who had weakened immune system which made it

easier for the symptoms to develop and progress to worse conditions.

Current studies are trying to find out whether genetics, emotional distress

and immunological conditions are related with the disorder.

• Is there a cure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

As of yet, cures for CFS are still being developed. Thus, treatment for the

condition is basically focused on alleviating the symptoms.

• What are the treatment options?

There are several types of treatment options available for patients of CFS

which are roughly divided into four categories: medical treatments,

alternative treatments, supportive treatments and lifestyle alterations.

Under medical treatments are the medications and drugs that are prescribed

to alleviate symptoms such as pains, headaches and psychological stress

caused by CFS. These include pain relievers, NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Anxiolyticagents, Autonomic nervous system

stimulants and antidepressants.

Natural, herbal and hormone supplements are commonly used under alternative

medicine. Relaxation techniques and behavioral techniques are used in

supportive treatments while lifestyle alterations basically help patients

change some aspects of their lives to establish relief from debilitating

symptoms.

• How is diagnosis made?

Since there are no laboratory, diagnostic and medical examinations and

tests that are used in the diagnosis of CFS, health care providers use the

principle of exclusion in determining the presence of the condition.

Through this method, all diseases, illnesses and conditions that are known

to have symptoms similar with CFS are ruled out. Diagnosis is only made

once the symptoms of the patients match with the case definition.

• Where can I get help?

You can get help from health care providers who are knowledgeable in

diagnosing and treating CFS are the best people patients could go to.

Support groups for patients of CFS are also available.

is a disorder or groups of disorders that is characterized by the onset of

fatigue that persists for more than 6 months. It is characterized by a host

of symptoms that range from muscle and joint pains to decreased ability to

perform even the least demanding activities.

This syndrome is diagnosed by examining the symptoms of an individual

against two groups of symptoms which are commonly demonstrated by CFS

patients.

The first sign that healthcare professionals look for is the persisting

chronic fatigue that is not related to any other condition that results to

exhaustion. Tolerance to fatigue among CFS patients is very low, thus they

get severely exhausted after performing even the simplest and least

demanding of tasks. In fact, it is not uncommon for CFS patients to move

from one place to another without feeling drained.

Most of them also get sick for several days to several weeks after

performing minor activities. Most of them also exhibit flu-like symptoms

after performing low intensity tasks.

The second criteria for establishing the presence of Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome is the onset of four of any of the following symptoms: myalgia or

muscle pains, arthralgia or joint pains in multiple locations, head aches

of more serious severity, persistent soar throat which recurs, tenderness

of the cervical and axillary lymph nodes, impaired short-term memory and

concentration, malaise which is experienced after physical exertion, and

sleep disturbance.

Other symptoms that healthcare professionals look for are abdominal pain,

bloating, dizziness, nausea, chronic cough, chest pains, shortness of

breath, dryness of the mouth and eyes, weight loss, onset of minor and

major psychological problems  such as depression, anxiety, irritability and

panic attacks, diarrhea, alcohol intolerance and skin and tingling

sensations.

Diagnosis is facilitated only after all conditions that are known to

produce the aforementioned symptoms are ruled out. In general, healthcare

professionals encounter difficulty in diagnosing chronic fatigue syndromes

due to the similarities and generality of symptoms it presents. Apart from

the fact that fatigue is a common result of many diseases, it is also a

very common sign of most chronic conditions. CFS also presents no symptoms

that are visible and obvious enough for easy identification.

On top of these, there are also no diagnostic and laboratory tests that can

help in establishing the presence of the disorder. Patients of CFS also

display varying symptoms and level of severity which makes most patient

experience differences in symptoms and severity. However through exclusion

of the following factors, most doctors can arrive at a diagnosis:

1. The presentation of identifiable conditions that result to fatigue and

decreased level of activities. Most doctors look for symptoms of

hypothyroidism, a condition wherein the thyroid produces lower levels of

thyroid hormones. Other notable conditions that may exhibit symptoms

similar with CFS are lupus, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, bipolar

disorder, mononucleosis or kissing disease, depression and diabetes.

2. The usage of medications that result to fatigue. Obviously, there are a

number of medications, drugs and substances that can cause physical

exhaustion.

3. Recurrence of previous diseases, disorders and illness that can produce

extreme exhaustion such as cancer.

4. Substance abuse, more specifically excessive alcohol consumption.

5. Obesity which is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) or more than

45.