Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex condition in which a person feels fatigue for at least six months, although there is no objective reason for this: he is not sick and is not engaged in hard physical labor. In this case, fatigue increases with physical or mental load and does not pass after rest. In parallel, patients complain of muscle pain.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is most prone to residents of metropolitan areas between the ages of 25 and 45 years, and women suffer more from this disease. Until recently, it was believed that only adults were susceptible to the disease, but now the diagnosis of “chronic fatigue syndrome” has begun to follow children, especially school-age children.
Causes of chronic fatigue
So far, the exact causes that lead to chronic fatigue syndrome have not yet been established. However, there are risk factors that can trigger the onset of this disease:
- Improper lifestyle (frequent sleep deprivation, lack of sunlight and fresh air, use of nicotine and alcohol, etc.).
- Chronic diseases (lead to exhaustion of the body).
- Psychological disorders (constant stress, frequent depression, anxiety).
- Unbalanced nutrition (poor quality food, overabundance or lack of food, lack of vitamins).
- Unfavorable environment (ecological situation in cities is much worse than in rural areas).
- Infections and viruses (constant struggle of the body with viruses leads to general fatigue).
Symptoms of the disease
A distinctive feature of chronic fatigue syndrome is constant fatigue, which does not disappear after a good night’s sleep and long rest. The duration of such a painful state can last more than half a year.
Other symptoms of chronic fatigue:
- Insomnia
- Migraine
- Rapid fatigue
- Decreased immunity
- Spinal and muscle pain
- Mental impairment
- Constant exhaustion
- Enlargement of lymph nodes (in the armpits and neck).
This disease must necessarily be treated, so that in the future it does not lead to the development of serious neuropsychiatric diseases.
Risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome
According to scientists, a complex of causes leads to chronic fatigue syndrome: hereditary predisposition or disorders in the immune system must be combined with unfavorable factors.
Risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome:
- gender: in women, chronic fatigue syndrome is 2-4 times more common than in men. Why this happens is unknown, perhaps it is due to regular hormonal changes;
- age: chronic fatigue syndrome can appear at any point in life. However, there are 2 peaks: in adolescence (from 10 to 19 years) and in adulthood (from 30 to 39 years);
- disruption of circadian rhythms: the internal biological clock can be disrupted by shift work or insomnia, resulting in a lack of energy;
- chronic stress, which gradually depletes the body.
Complications of chronic fatigue syndrome
As with many chronic conditions that reduce quality of life, such as cancer or diabetes, people with chronic fatigue syndrome often experience depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.
In addition, people with chronic fatigue are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders. Due to the imbalance of happy and stress hormones, they often experience unexplained body aches, migraines, eating disorders, sleep disorders, and gastrointestinal problems.
Which doctor to see
The diagnosis and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome is handled by a general practitioner, a psychotherapist, and a neurologist. These specialists usually work together to achieve the best results.
The physician may assume the syndrome based on the face-to-face appointment and history. The condition must meet basic criteria.
Criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome:
- fatigue does not go away for at least 6 months and prevents the person from leading a normal life;
- symptoms worsen after physical activity;
- fatigue does not go away after sleep and rest;
- the person has difficulty concentrating;
- dizziness appears or gets worse when the person gets up and goes away when the person lies down.
Laboratory and instrumental diagnostics help to detect viral agents and antibodies associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as to exclude diseases with similar symptoms: anemia, inflammatory pathologies, thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus.
Chronic fatigue treatment
- Medication (vitamins, immunomodulators, homeopathic, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, antiviral drugs).
- Physical procedures (therapeutic exercise, acupuncture, soothing massage, hydrotherapy, etc.).
- Good sleep, diet, and a planned daily routine are recommended.
Prevention
The early start of therapy will help to return a person to the usual way of life. In those cases where the patient or his relatives have long delayed seeking medical help, writing off the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome to a temporary ailment, then the therapy requires great effort.
A set of recommended preventive measures includes:
- adequate rest and regular sleep of 7-9 hours;
- proper full and varied nutrition, rich in vitamins and nutrients;
- avoidance of bad habits (alcohol, smoking);
- proper planning of the day with a normal ratio of labor and rest, allowing to avoid overstrain and make one’s activity effective;
- practicing relaxation and controlling the level of anxiety: light physical exercises, yoga will help to relieve physical tension.
It is better to plan your activities with plenty of time to spare, even if they are simple activities such as drinking tea or taking a shower. In addition, a well-being diary can help, in which you should record all activities, noting those that lead to fatigue. This will help minimize negative influencing factors and control your vitality level.
Conclusion
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a serious condition that does not go away on its own and requires attention. It can significantly impair quality of life, affecting physical and mental health. Although the exact causes of this condition are not fully understood, there are many factors that contribute to its development, including stress, sleep disturbance, infections and lifestyle.
Early diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to treatment can help minimize symptoms and get you back to being active. Following a healthy daily regimen, eating a nutritious diet, moderate exercise and stress management play a key role in preventing and managing this syndrome. If fatigue becomes chronic and interferes with daily life, it is important not to delay a visit to the doctor. Self-care and timely medical attention can help restore energy and maintain health for years to come.
