It is estimated that perhaps as many as half a million people in the United States have a Chronic fatigue syndrome disability -like condition. Most of the women are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome two to four times as often as men.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

In order to be diagnosed a patient of chronic fatigue syndrome, an individual must satisfy two important criteria. First, an individual must have serious chronic fatigue for six months or longer duration with other known medical conditions excluded by clinical diagnosis. Second, an individual must concurrently have four or more of the symptoms like that of substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle pain, multi-joint pain without swelling or redness, headaches of a new type, pattern or severity, unrefreshing sleep, and post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours.

Symptoms Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

In addition to the principal defining symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, some chronic fatigue syndrome patients have reported a number of other symptoms. They comprise of 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, photosensitivity, shortness of breath, skin sensations, tingling sensations, and weight loss. Majorities of people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome also report mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Causes chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome might occur after an infection such as a cold or viral syndrome. It can start during or shortly after a period of high stress or come on gradually without any clear starting point or any obvious cause. Research about Chronic fatigue syndrome indicates the possibility that sudden onset of chronic fatigue syndrome may be related to an infectious disease, while gradual onset chronic fatigue syndrome may be triggered by factors such as physical environment or stress.

Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A variety of therapeutic approaches have been described as benefiting patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Since no cause for chronic fatigue syndrome has been identified and the cause still remains unknown, treatment programs are directed at relief of symptoms. There is no proven cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, although lifestyle modifications might make symptoms more manageable. The treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome focuses on symptom management medicines, e.g., aspirin and ibuprofen for pain and headache relief. Some of the individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome benefit from a healthy diet, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, sleep disorder drugs and behavioral therapy. In addition, relaxation and stress reduction techniques might be beneficial.