Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Any person can experience fatigue or exhaustion after a physical activity or any other work, and this person needs a resting period to be relieved according to the severity of this fatigue. However, in some cases, this fatigue might be prolonged for a long time and doesn’t go away despite the long resting time. This condition is called chronic fatigue syndrome, or myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Chronic fatigue syndrome

It’s a disorder that causes the feeling of continuous and long-lasting tiredness (more than six months). This fatigue is unjustified and doesn’t go with resting, which leads to extreme weakness and an inability to do the routine daily activities. This condition affects about 0.2-0.4% of adults around the world, and it affects women more than men. It usually starts at the age of 29-35 years old, and it’s very prevalent at the ages of 40-60 years old.

Causes of chronic fatigue syndrome

There isn’t a specific reason for this syndrome, yet there are some factors that contribute to its occurrence, such as:

• Low physical activity, in addition to traumas in childhood, increases the risk of this syndrome in puberty.
• Extreme physical activity and psychological disorders in adults.
• Physical or psychological stress.
• Genetic factors: It’s been observed that this syndrome could transmit from one generation to another in the same family.
• A problem in the body itself that prohibits the conversion of food into energy.
• Problems in the immune system.
• After recovery of some infections.
• Some health conditions, like low blood pressure.

Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

Psychological symptoms:

• Extreme tiredness and exhaustion after a mental or physical activity.
• Problems in the memory, thinking, and concentrating.
• Mood swings and anxiety.

Physical symptoms:

• Dizziness and weakness.
• Muscle and joint pain.
• Sleep problems and unrefreshing sleep.
• Swelling in the lymph nodes.
• Irritable bowel.
• Vision problems.
• Chills and a feeling of tingling or numbness in the face, hands, or feet.

Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome

To diagnose this syndrome, it’s necessary to take a precise medical history in addition to other tests. In general, to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome, this fatigue must continue for more than six months, not be a symptom of a specific physical or psychological condition, not go with rest, cause a decreased capacity to do regular daily activities, or coexist with other physical and psychological symptoms.

Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome

There isn’t a specific treatment for this condition, and it relies on these management strategies:

• Changing the sleeping routine to sleep well.
• Medical management to relieve the accompanying physical and psychological symptoms.
• Regulating physical and mental activity.
• Providing emotional and psychological support for the patient.