Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that is not caused by other medical conditions. When a person suffers from this condition, their fatigue can worsen with physical or mental activity, but does not improve with rest. At Angel Longevity Medical Center, we offer chronic fatigue treatment.
WHAT CAUSES CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME?
Unfortunately, the cause of chronic fatigue is unknown. However, some experts believe it may be a viral infection or immune system disorder.
Meanwhile, there are others who believe it is related to psychological stress, trauma or toxins. While there is not one known cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, there are known risk factors. They include:
Hormonal imbalances
Abnormal blood levels of hormones produced by the hypothalamus, pituitary glands or adrenal glands can be found in those who experience chronic fatigue. However, the significance of hormonal imbalances in relation to chronic fatigue is unknown.
Viral infections
Because some people develop chronic fatigue syndrome after a viral infection, many believe that certain viruses may trigger the condition. Viruses that are thought to possibly trigger chronic fatigue include the Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6, and mouse leukemia viruses.
Immune system issues
Those who suffer from chronic fatigue tend to have a slightly impaired immune system. However, it is unknown if the impairment is enough to cause chronic fatigue itself.
Getting a diagnosis
For a patient to be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, specific criteria must be present.
They include:
- The individual must have symptoms ongoing for at least six months
- Other health conditions as the reason for the fatigue must have been excluded
- The fatigue must significantly interfere with daily activities and work
There are other common symptoms associated with chronic fatigue that are not considered when diagnosing chronic fatigue. These symptoms include, but may not be limited to abdominal pain, alcohol intolerance, bloating, chest pain, chronic cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry eyes or mouth, earaches, irregular heartbeat, jaw pain, morning stiffness, nausea, night sweats, psychological problems, depression, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, shortness of breath, tingling sensations, and weight loss.
In addition, the individual must simultaneously have four or more of the following nine chronic fatigue symptoms, and the symptoms must not have begun before the onset of the condition:
- Muscle pain
- Unrefreshing sleep
- A chronic sore throat
- Flu-like symptoms following activity
- Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpit
- Pain in joints without swelling or redness
- Reduction in short-term memory or concentration
- Headaches not common to that individual (e.g., severity, type, pattern)
- Malaise lasting more than 24 hours after slight exertion
CONDITIONS THAT CAN BE MISTAKEN FOR CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
Because there is not one known cause of chronic fatigue, there is also not one single test that can confirm a diagnosis. Since the symptoms can be similar to several other health problems, it may take a long time to reach a diagnosis. First, the doctor must rule out several other illnesses, including:
Mental health issues
Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are all mental health problems that have similar symptoms to chronic fatigue.
Sleep disorders
This may seem obvious, but sleep disorders have symptoms a person may also experience with chronic fatigue. A sleep study can figure out if you have a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome or insomnia.
Medical problems
Fatigue is also a symptom of other medical problems such as anemia, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. By taking a lab test to check your blood, evidence can be found for other medical problems.
After your doctor has ruled out other conditions, he or she can arrive at a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. Individuals should be aware that this process may take some time – but it’s worth the wait to ensure that the correct problem is identified.
If the wrong diagnosis is made, the wrong treatment will be administered. It is important to remain patient during the diagnosis process.
