تعريف
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that causes chronic, debilitating fatigue. It continues for at least six months. The fatigue is not relieved by bed rest. People who have CFS perform at a significantly lower level compared to their activity prior to the onset of the illness.
أسباب
The cause of CFS is unknown. Some believe there may be a link between CFS and stress, the immune system, toxins, the central nervous system, or activation of latent virus.
عوامل الخطر
Women are more likely to have CFS than men. It is also more common in people between 25-55 years of age.
الأعراض
Symptoms vary from person to person. They include:
- Unexplained, new onset, persistent fatigue that is not relieved with bed rest and often worsens with physical or mental activity
- Unexplained muscle aches
- Joint pain without swelling or redness over six months
- Headaches over six months
- Trouble with short-term memory or concentration a “brain fog”
- Forgetfulness or confusion
- Irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings, or depression
- Sore throat over six months
- Tender lymph nodes over six months
- Trouble sleeping or not feeling refreshed after sleep over six months
- Visual disturbances (eyes sensitive to light, blurring, pain)
- Reduced activities (social, job-related, educational, and personal)
- Dizziness, balance problems, or fainting
- Brain fog
- Chills and night sweats
- Allergies or sensitivities to foods, chemicals, odors, medications, or noise
التشخيص
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. There are no specific diagnostic tests for CFS. Your doctor may do several other tests to rule out other conditions that can have similar symptoms.
The doctor will look for the following signs to determine if you have CFS:
- Severe, chronic fatigue for at least six months that is not due to another illness or medical cause, along with:
- At least four of the following symptoms according to the International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Group Criteria:
- Impairment of short-term memory or concentration
- إلتهاب الحلق
- Tender lymph nodes
- ألم عضلي
- Joint pain without swelling or redness
- Headaches of a new type, severity, or pattern
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Prolonged fatigue lasting 24 hours or more after exercise
العلاج
The main goal of CFS علاج is to achieve symptom relief.
Treatments for CFS include:
Physical Activity
If you have CFS, avoid overexertion and physical and emotional stress. Balancing your activities throughout the day may help you to not overexert yourself. Moderate exercise that is monitored by a doctor or physical therapist may improve symptoms. Slowly increase the duration and intensity of exercise. Light exercise and stretching four hours before bedtime may help with sleep.
In addition, your doctor may have you work with a physical therapist. Some therapies that might be helpful for you include:
- تدليك
- تمتد
- Tai chi
- اليوغا
Diet and Nutrition
A well-balanced diet can help prevent nutritional deficiencies and weight fluctuations. Nutritional supplements cannot make up for an inadequate diet. Avoid foods to which you may be sensitive.
تقديم المشورة
CFS can be mentally and physically debilitating. Depression is common among people with CFS. In fact, as many as half develop depression as a consequence of CFS. Psychotherapy and supportive counseling often help CFS patients cope with the disorder. Learning relaxation training and stress management techniques, as well as changing your sleep routine, may also help.
الأدوية
Medications used to treat specific symptoms of CFS include:
- مضادات الاكتئاب
- Anti-anxiety drugs
- Over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen—to treat pain and fever
- Stimulants—mild ones may be helpful
- Sedatives—to help with insomnia
Experimental Treatments
The following experimental treatments are sometimes used for CFS but have not been proven to be effective. Talk to your doctor before trying any experimental treatments.
- Dietary and vitamin supplements (eg, magnesium)
- Herbal remedies (eg, evening primrose oil)
- العلاج بالإبر
- Aquatic therapy
- Chiropractic therapy
- Self- hypnosis
الوقاية
There are no guidelines for preventing CFS because the cause is unknown.