Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - An Overview

Chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS as the namewith CFS are muscle pain, headache, sore throat
suggests is a condition were the patienttender lymph nodes, discomfort during sleep and
experience extended periods of fatigue. Fatiguejoint pain which may be accompanied with
defined as the feeling of extreme tiredness.theredness and swelling and a patient should have at
person who experiencing fatigue is often restlessleast four of these symptoms prior to diagnosis.
and does not have the energy to performPatients presenting with CFS complain of
day-to-day activities.decreased levels of physical activity. People
Unfortunately bed rest, sleeping or even relaxationsuffering from CFS have altered functional status,
do not help in relieving CFC and there is nothingwhich is because of their inability to perform the
which can help in reliving this sickness. Apart fromdaily living activities.
that, any activity physical or mental also worsensThe mechanism of occurrence of CFS is
the patient's condition. A person suffering fromunknown; though, experts have linked the
CFS is well aware of his/ her condition andcondition bacterial/ viral infection, oxidative stress
reduced capability to functionand genetic factors.
CFS like symptoms are caused by various factorsUnfortunately, there is no known cure for CFS
and at times, it could be because of some otherand patients once diagnosed cannot recover
underlying medical condition like hormonalcompletely. Some suggested ways to relive CFS
problems, cancer, hyperthyroidism, drug/alcoholare painkillers, antidepressants, balanced diet,
abuse, neurasthenia eating disorders like anorexiaphysiotherapy and dietary supplements.some
or bulimia, mental disorders like schizophrenia, andstudies have indicated that CFS patients respond
various other diseases. For diagnosis of CFS, thefairly well to graded exercise therapy which helps
condition should be persistent for at least 6in reducing fatigue after some rounds of exercise.
months and should not be because of anyTherefore exercise not only helps in relieving
underlying conditions to be considered as beingillness it also helps in preventing many diseases
chronic.and we should consider making exercise a part of
The various symptoms which can be associatedour daily routine.