Chronic fatigue syndrome is thought to affect around 20% of people in Scotland. Chronic fatigue syndrome affects around 17 million people worldwide and 250,000 people in the United Kingdom. More women are affected than men, and can be affecting adults and children of all ages, and comes from every ethnic and social group.
About chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a continuing disorder that produces chronic weariness (exhaustion) that does not go away with rest or sleep and can interfere with daily activities. Most commonly, it affects the immune and nervous systems. It’s sometimes called post-viral tiredness syndrome (PVFS).
People suffering from ME-CFS experience extreme fatigue that is cause by post-exertional malaise (PEM). This happens when the body is unable to recover from even the smallest amounts of energy, which leads to an increase in the symptoms. The feeling of fatigue can be very different from normal fatigue and could take a couple of days to show up after mental, physical, or emotional strain.
How long is it expect to last?
The majority of people suffering from ME-CFS improve with time, but certain people do not make an entire recovery. There are also likely to instances when symptoms will get worse or better. Young people and children who suffer from ME-CFS are more likely to fully recover.
Risk factors related to CFS
Most people in between 40 to 50 age group get affect by the CFS.
Sex is also a key aspect in CFS, because women are twice or four times more trust source greater likely diagnose with CFS than men.
Other factors that will be responsible for increasing the risk factors of CFS are as follows:
- Genetic predisposition
- Allergies
- Stress
- Environmental factors
What is the signs for CFS?
The symptoms of CFS are different depending on the individual and degree of the illness.
The most frequent symptoms of fatigue are those that are severe enough to cause problems with your day-to-day routine.
To allow CFS to be recognize an impairment of your capacity to carry out your normal everyday activities must last at least 6 months. It cannot be treat with rest.
There is also the possibility of experiencing intense fatigue following physical or mental exercises that is call post-exertional m.as. (PEM). It may persist for longer than 24 hours after an activity.
CFS can also trigger problems with sleep, for example:
- Not feeling refreshed after a long sleeping a
- Chronic sleepiness
- Other sleep conditions
Additionally, you could also have the following symptoms:
- Memory loss
- decreased concentration
- Orthostatic intolerance (going from a seated or lying position to standing makes you dizzy, lightheaded, or faint)
The physical symptoms associated with CFS can include:
- Muscle pain
- Frequently headaches
- Multi-joint joint pain, without redness or swelling
- Frequently irritation of the throat
- The area is tender and lymph nodes that are swollen and tender in your armpits and neck
Certain people are affect by CFS in cycles, and can cause periods of feeling more ill before feeling better.
The symptoms may disappear completely, and this is known as Remission. But, it is still possible that symptoms be recure later on, and this is call an occurrence of relapse.
Remission and relapse may cause a lot of difficulty in managing conditions, yet it’s doable.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosing
There are various tests use for the identification of chronic fatigue syndrome. A diagnosis is made once other causes that could be a cause for symptoms have been rule out. The sooner the condition is recognize, the quicker you’ll be able to seek help in managing the symptoms. A lot of people suffering from ME-CFS find it beneficial to keep a journal of their symptoms, so they can bring this information to their doctor or a specialist.
Following factors typically are consider by GP:
- Inquire about recent travels, tick/insect bites or unusual illnesses, and the use of alcohol and drugs.
- Check out the current medication
- Tests can be conduct
They might be able to determine if they are suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome within three or four months of experiencing the same pattern of symptoms. Anyone who suspect that they have chronic fatigue syndrome ought to be evaluate for a variety of blood tests routinely perform to rule out other conditions. A more specialize examination might be necessary when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Certain people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome suffer from another chronic condition that is long-term and it is essential to speak with your GP regarding how you can treat the symptoms of these two conditions.
What do I treat CFS addressed?
There’s no cure currently for CFS.
Every person is unique in their symptoms and may therefore require different forms of treatment to treat the disorder and alleviate symptoms.
With the proper guidance of your health professionals, you will plan for your most effective treatment for CFS. They will discuss the possible benefits as well as adverse effects of treatments together with you.
Lifestyle changes and home remedies
Making a few lifestyle modifications could help to reduce symptoms.
The reduction or elimination of your consumption of caffeine will help you sleep more comfortably and lessen your stress. You need to limit or good to eliminate alcohol and nicotine usage.
Avoid napping throughout the day, if it’s affecting your ability to fall asleep in the night.
Develop your own schedule for sleep. You need to follow a strict timetable to sleep at the exact time each day.
Medications
Most of the time, no single medication can cure all of your symptoms. Furthermore, your symptoms can alter over time, which means your medication may need to change be adjust.
CFS can either cause or be an indicator of depression in many cases. A low-dose depression treatment or a consultation with a mental health expert may be required.
If your lifestyle choices don’t guarantee you the ability to sleep soundly. Your doctor might suggest an aid to sleep. The medication like Pain O Soma that reduces pain can aid in easing the joint pain and aches due to CFS. This medication is available in one different dosages i.e.
If you require medication therapy the treatment will need to be tailored to your specific requirements. Consult with your physician closely. There’s no universal treatment for CFS.
