Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Possible Diagnosis for The Daily Exhausted

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease that causes severe daily fatigue. Unlike feeling tired at the end of a long day, even after rest no improvement, and this feeling of exhaustion can last for many months or years and may be powerful enough to interfere with your daily routine. Getting a diagnosis can be difficult for some, but it can also help you find the answers you seek and get relief.

Symptoms

You may have no will to do much, and symptoms may worsen with physical activity. Many people also experience muscle pain, headaches, pain from one joint to another, tender lymph nodes, sore throat, sleep problems, unrefreshed sleep and loss of memory.

Causes

Doctors do not fully understand what causes CFS, but some believe that age, health history, viral infections, stress, environmental factors and genetics can all play a role. It is most commonly diagnosed in women who are between 30 and 50 years old.

Tests and Treatments

There are no specific medical tests for chronic fatigue syndrome. However, the CDC has listed specific signs and symptoms that can be evaluated, and your doctor may diagnose CFS after ruling out other health issues such as immune system disorders, muscle or nerve diseases, infections, hormonal imbalance and endocrine diseases.

Treatment is generally focused on alleviating symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe medications for depression or anxiety and recommend cognitive behavioral therapy and graded exercises. A balanced diet, healthy sleep habits and lifestyle changes can all be beneficial. Avoid overdoing it on days that you feel tired or relying on caffeine over consumption, which can leave you feeling more tired. Break large tasks into smaller tasks, and spread them out over the week as needed.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated disorder, and different factors can play a role in your long-term prognosis. Keeping track of symptoms when starting to see a pattern can help when seeing a doctor. If you see no improvement with your current treatment regimen, talk to your doctor about trying new things or adjusting your treatment plan.