Information From Your Health Care Provider

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

Basic information

description

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder that involves profound fatigue. The fatigue is not improved by bed rest. It may be worsened by physical or mental activity. Persons with CFS most often function at a much lower level of activity than they were capable of before the onset of illness. It is seen most often in young adults between 20 and 40. Women are diagnosed with CFS more often than men.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

For diagnosis of CFS: a person has severe chronic fatigue of six months or longer and other known medical conditions have been ruled out; and at the same time, has 4 or more of the following: 1) Memory or concentration problems. 2) Sore throat. 3) Tender lymph nodes. 4) Muscle pain. 5) Multi-joint pain (no swelling or redness). 6) Headaches (new type, pattern, or severity). 7) Sleep disturbances. 8) Extreme tiredness that lasts more than 24 hours after physical or mental activities.
Other symptoms may include: 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, skin sensations, tingling sensations, and weight loss.

causes

The cause is unknown. Infections and the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems may play roles.

risk increases with

Unknown.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Unknown.

expected outcomes

CFS affects each person differently. Some people remain homebound. Other persons improve and are able to resume work and other activities, even though they continue to have symptoms. In general, improvement is slow and may take years.

possible complications

The symptoms can lead to a variety of complications (e.g., depression, missing work, or loss of job).

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. There is no one test to identify CFS. Medical tests are often done to rule out medical disorders that could be causing the symptoms. The guidelines used to help diagnose CFS are listed under Frequent Signs & Symptoms.
Steps in therapy may include a combination of lifestyle changes, starting a gradual exercise program, counseling, behavior therapy, and drug therapy.
Lifestyle changes may include finding ways to cut back on work or other activities. This may help reduce physical and emotional stress. Stop smoking (find a way to quit that works for you).
Counseling and/or behavior therapy may be helpful for coping with the emotional aspects of the disorder and learning how to reduce stress.
Alternative therapies such as massage, muscle-relaxing techniques, yoga, or acupuncture may be helpful.
Joining a support group is helpful for some patients.
Learn more: Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association, P.O. Box 220398, Charlotte, NC 28222; (800) 442-3437; website: www.cfids.org.

medications

There is no specific drug to treat CFS. Drugs may be prescribed for depression, pain, low blood pressure, allergy-like symptoms, insomnia, or other specific symptoms.
Other drugs are being studied and may prove to be helpful in treatment. Talk to your health care provider before taking herbal remedies or dietary supplements.

activity

Strenuous exercise should be avoided. Some exercise, however, is important. Begin a gradual program that may be just 3 to 5 minutes a day to start with. Increase the activity by about 20% every 2 to 3 weeks. Setbacks will sometimes occur, so don't be discouraged.
Get enough sleep at night. Limit daytime napping.