Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder characterized by an extreme tiredness, which is not linked to a specific cause and cannot be cured with sleep. In addition, mental and physical activities can make your symptoms worse.
CAUSES
Chronic fatigue sometimes develops after a viral infection and viruses that are related include: herpesviruses, rubella, Ross River fever (a tropical mosquito-borne disease), Epstein-Barr virus, Candida Albicans (fungal infections), human retroviruses, and mycoplasma (due to atypical pneumonia).
In addition , hypotension, immune impairment and hormonal problems could be contributing factors to the onset of chronic fatigue.
SYMPTOMS
Although the symptoms of chronic fatigue vary from patient to patient and are based on the severity of the condition, the most common is fatigue that is severe enough to interfere with daily activities, and must last at least six months and is not cured by bed rest.
After performing physical and mental activities, extreme illness or fatigue may be experienced, which can last more than 24 hours after they are performed.
There are also other symptoms, such as:
- Tiredness, even after sleeping.
- Sore throat.
- Tender lymph nodes in the neck and armpits.
- Loss of memory and concentration.
- Muscle pain and headache.
- Multiple joint pain, including joint swelling.
- Frequent sore throat.
HOW TO TREAT IT
There is no specific treatment for chronic fatigue, so treatment varies in each patient, but the following guidelines are generally appropriate:
- It is very important to modify your lifestyle to reduce symptoms.
- Eliminate caffeine consumption, which will help you sleep better and relieve your insomnia.
- Avoid naps during the day.
- Limit or eliminate nicotine and alcohol intake.
- Create a sleep routine, establishing a bedtime and a wake-up time.
– Take your time during the execution of the activities.
– Avoid emotional and physical stress.
– Try to find time in the day to try to relax.
– Seek counseling to treat chronic fatigue syndrome and improve your thinking.
– Perform physical therapy, with an exercise routine, which is known as gradual exercise therapy.
– Alternative medicine can help you through techniques such as acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, and massage, which can relieve the pain associated with chronic fatigue.
-
In the last case, chronic fatigue can trigger certain diseases or ailments, such as depression, insomnia or joint pain, and it may be necessary for your doctor to prescribe certain medications, such as antidepressants, sleep or pain drugs, but in any case he will be the one who evaluates your case.
