Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Flashcards
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
he concept of “chronic fatigue syndrome” (CFS) has only appeared recently in medicine—within the past 20 years. Since its recognition, each year, more cases of this condition are reported—especially in those who live and/or work in developed and industrialized cities.
Recently, this problem has become a global epidemic. The appearance of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is directly correlated with the sharp acceleration of life’s rhythm, increasingly burdensome mental and psychological stress, as well as deteriorating environmental conditions.
CFS is not to be confused with simple tiredness, which serves to alert us that we need to rest.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is not a condition that is the result of the occasional lack of sleep; but rather, unfounded, pronounced, debilitating, chronic extreme fatigue that does not go away after adequate rest and prevents the person from performing activities of daily living.
When symptoms of chronic fatigue accumulate, the syndrome becomes quite unbearable. CFS is not a whim or a fantasy and is most certainly NOT “all in your head.” It is a serious illness that requires medical attention.
Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The good news is that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is not a deadly disease. Most people recover from it with proper Chronic Fatigue Syndrome treatment, while others improve tremendously by learning to nurture their bodies from the inside out.
Many underlying issues need to be addressed – from lack of sleep and poor dietary choices to covert infection by viruses or bacteria, and hormonal imbalances. In our practice we perform a detailed analysis of your symptoms and perform different diagnostic test to find a culprit for your condition.
We specialize in providing an individualized Chronic Fatigue Syndrome treatment plan to help alleviate your suffering and improve your overall health. Our treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome focuses on several aspects of person’s health:
Hormonal Imbalances Sleep Infections healthy nutrition personal exercise coaching and active lifestyle Mind and Emotional health Hormonal Balance Hormonal imbalances may be a direct cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), so balancing your adrenal, thyroid, and reproductive glands hormones can make a huge difference in treating your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms.
Sleep
Most people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome complain of non-refreshing sleep as a prime concern. If you are one of these people, in order to give your muscles and nervous system a chance to heal, we will need to investigate the reasons for your sleep problems.
We will discuss your sleep hygiene, causes of insomnia, dos and don’ts of a proper sleep routine, as well as natural methods to help you sleep better. If we suspect deeper sleep problems such as apnea, we might advise you consider a visit to a sleep specialist.
Infections
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Lyme disease are two of the most common illnesses seen in association with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Infection with yeast, parasites, enteroviruses, and other bacteria may also cause CFS. As part of our diagnosis we will test for these infections so that you can be properly diagnosed and chronic fatigue treated.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is an important aspect of any chronic fatigue treatment protocol. In order to heal, your body needs to be provided with whole, fresh foods, such as fruits, vegetables, high-quality fats, and protein (in their natural form – free of preservatives and pesticides, ideally organically grown).
High quality vitamin and mineral supplements along with mercury-free fish oil and probiotics help speed the recovery process. It is also important to be aware of any food sensitivities or intolerances you may have since these might be a direct cause of or exacerbate Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms. Substances such as gluten, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives are common sources of food allergies.
Exercise
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, due to body pain and fatigue, people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often adopt a sedentary lifestyle. Incorporating an appropriate exercise regimen should be done gradually, especially for people with CFS. We could help you to begin and improve your physical activity and refer you to professional personal trainers or exercise specialist.
Mind and Emotional health
Other factors to consider as we treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include your mind and your emotional health. In treating Chronic Fatigue, it is important to address the mind and body connection. Constant emotional stress drains adrenal reserves and puts stress on hormonal regulation.
Hormonal imbalances also have a strong impact on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often benefit from psychological counseling, emotional support, and guidance. Breathing exercises, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and mindfulness meditation are also excellent options to decrease anxiety and help deal with the stress associated with symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
A variety of triggers for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) includes the following:
Sudden Onset:
Postinfectious (e.g. viral, antibiotic sensitive infections, and parasites)
Postpartum/ after delivery
Gradual Onset:
Prolonged or frequent emotional and physical stress
Secondary to autoimmune illnesses (e.g. lupus, MS, and rheumatoid arthritis)
Fungal infections/Candida (controversial)
Hormonal deficiencies (or excess),
Thyroid levels
Adrenal fatigue, and reproductive
Toxin exposures (including lead and pesticides)
A prolonged absence of sun exposure; for instance, during the winter leading to a shortage of “happiness hormone” —serotonin.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system (atherosclerosis, hypertension and hypotension, anemia)
Infectious diseases (tuberculosis, Chlamydia, chronic viral infections, and others)
Cancer, diseases of the nervous system, various functional disorders, and obesity
What are Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The most common symptoms of CFS are fatigue coupled with severe insomnia or non-restorative sleep, post-exertional weakness, and cognitive dysfunction, often called “brain fog.” Orthostatic intolerance—defined as the worsening of symptoms when standing—is also common.
Other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) include the following:
Sinus problems
Irritable bowel syndrome
Weight gain
Irritability when hungry
Unexplained muscle pain
Joint pain without redness or swelling
Unrefreshing sleep
Significant impairment of short-term memory or concentration
Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
Sore throat that is frequent or recurring
How Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is diagnosed?
Sometimes CFS is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases.
Some of the diseases which resemble symptoms of CFS include:
Lime disease Multiple Sclerosis Lupus (SLE) Hypothyroidism Fibromyalgia Mononucleosis Depressive disorders Sleep disorders Before settling on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as a diagnosis, our practice focuses on performing a variety of diagnostic tests to rule out other medical conditions associated with fatigue. We are proud to offer an individualized approach to treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
