Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex medical disorder that features with severe fatigue. The fatigue can easily intensify with any kind of mental or physical activity. The symptom generally does not improve with rest. Scientists have been trying to identify the actual cause of the condition but they have not been successful yet. The underlying cause of chronic fatigue syndrome remains unknown. Still, doctors are familiar with symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and the condition can be effectively treated with several treatment modalities.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
Patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome may face a variety of symptoms and signs of the condition. The symptoms are not unique and different patients may have different problems. So the condition does not have an identifiable pattern.
The most common characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome include fatigue or extreme exhaustion that last more than 24 hours after any kind of physical or mental activity, loss of memory and/ or concentration and problems with sleep. Patients also complain about sore throat, painful and moderately enlarged neck or axillary lymph nodes and muscle pain and pain that moves from one joint to another. The painful joints are neither swollen nor red.
Apart from the previously mentioned symptoms that usually affect majority of patients the condition may also cause symptoms connected to different body organs and organ systems. For example, gastrointestinal symptoms and signs include dry mouth, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and weight loss/ gain. Furthermore, respiratory symptoms and signs include chest pain, chronic cough and shortness of breath. Chills and night sweats may occur as well. Some patients suffer from dizziness, balance problems or even fainting or psychological problems such as depression, irritability, anxiety disorders etc. Irregular heartbeats, allergy or sensitivity to foods, medications etc, morning stiffness, jaw pain, visual disturbances (blurred vision, sensitivity to light, dry eyes etc) are several more characteristic of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There is no specific treatment for this medical condition and doctors usually recommend a combination of several treatment modalities. Patients usually benefit from moderating daily activity, gradual and steady exercise, cognitive behavior therapy and treatment of additional conditions such as depression and sleep problems. The treatment may include several specialists such as physical therapist, mental health provider etc. There is a whole variety of medications that are prescribed to these patients and they generally depend of the very symptoms of the syndrome. And finally, there are some experimental therapies that have not been approved yet but may be available in near future.
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