Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Having chronic fatigue syndrome can be extremely difficult to cope with. However, there are things you can do to get better. In this article, we will discuss a few of the main treatments and symptoms of the condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome can be extremely debilitating. They can cause significant effects on work, social, and educational life. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe.
When symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome occur, a healthcare provider may recommend a variety of tests to determine the cause. Often, tests are ordered to rule out other health issues. These tests include blood tests, thyroid function tests, and a physical exam. The tests can take several months to complete, and may not return until six months later.
In some cases, a person’s symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome may be triggered by an infection. If a person has a bacterial or viral infection, the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome can worsen. It is important to see a healthcare provider right away if these symptoms occur.
The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome may also be triggered by hormonal imbalances or psychological problems. If these symptoms are severe, you may require medication.
When a person has symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, it is important to not push the person to perform more than they can handle. It is also important to allow for rest. Often, a person’s fatigue will improve after a good night’s sleep.
In addition, it is important to note that symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome can vary over time. Even if you have symptoms that are well-managed, flare-ups can occur. The best way to prevent flare-ups is to monitor your symptoms and gradually increase your activity levels as symptoms improve.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are severe fatigue, sleep disturbances, mental disturbances, and autonomic problems. The symptoms are associated with a weakened immune system. A person with chronic fatigue syndrome may have abnormal blood levels of hormones produced by the hypothalamus.
Some causes of chronic fatigue syndrome include viral infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus, a deficiency of thyroid hormones, and other autoimmune conditions. Other conditions include sleep disorders such as insomnia and restless legs syndrome.
Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome is based on an assessment of symptom history and exclusion of other causes. In addition to these criteria, other diagnostic tests may be needed. These tests may include a thyroid function test, a complete blood count, antinuclear antibodies, urinalysis, a chemistry profile, polysomnography, and an HIV serology test.
A mental status examination is also important. It can detect signs of neurologic disorder or cognitive disorder. The test also allows the physician to identify signs of psychiatric disorders.
The physician may also ask questions about other symptoms. He or she may use tools such as the CDC Symptom Inventory for CFS. He or she may also refer the patient to a specialist.
The physician may also order more extensive tests. These include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans. They may also order positron emission tomography (PET) scans or radionuclide tests.
A doctor may prescribe medications to regulate blood pressure. These medications may help patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Treatment options
Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome can be managed with conventional medical treatments, including counseling. You may also benefit from changing your lifestyle. Depending on the severity of your illness, you may want to consider making changes such as eating a balanced diet, exercising more, or getting more sleep.
Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms. These treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), painkillers, and sleep medications. You may also want to try a massage or physical therapy. These treatments may help reduce your stress and anxiety. You may also benefit from acupuncture, organizers, and calendars.
Some people with CFS are also depressed. A low dose of antidepressants may help you improve sleep.
You may also find that a supportive group of people helps. Visiting a support group may not be right for you, though. Getting information from a friend or family member may also be helpful.
Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome can be reduced by taking a warm bath or using heating products. Heat can help relax muscles that are too tight, especially for people who get cold easily. It is best to start with a small amount of medication and work up to a larger dose.
Your doctor may also prescribe anti-depressants. These medications are designed to minimize side effects while providing relief for your symptoms. If you have trouble getting enough sleep, you may want to see a sleep specialist.
Orthostatic intolerance
Approximately 90% of ME/CFS patients suffer from orthostatic intolerance, which is also referred to as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Orthostatic intolerance is characterized by reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in fatigue, nervousness, blurred vision, and other symptoms. It can also lead to headaches and shortness of breath.
Many studies have investigated orthostatic intolerance and the autonomic symptoms that accompany it. Researchers have found that people with orthostatic intolerance have increased fatigue when their heart rate increases. Orthostatic intolerance affects the autonomic nervous system, which is comprised of small nerve fibers that carry sensory signals. The nerve fibers are damaged by an autoimmune process. It is thought that autoimmune-induced autonomic neuropathy may be a cause of ME/CFS.
Orthostatic intolerance can be detected by an extracranial Doppler. The Doppler is used to detect blood flows in the brain. However, the test is not yet widely used. It is thought that the test will become the standard way to measure orthostatic intolerance.
The head-up tilt test is another way to assess cerebral blood flow. The test can be done with a tilt table. It can also be used to measure heart rate and blood pressure. The results can be compared with healthy control. It is estimated that patients with orthostatic intolerance experience a 27% reduction in blood flow to the brain.
In addition to decreased blood flow to the brain, patients with POTS also have low CO2 levels. The cause of the reduced CO2 levels is unclear. It could be due to problems with the baroreceptors, signaling problems, or metabolic acidosis.
Postexertional malaise
Whether you’re a sufferer of the mysterious disease or you’re simply interested in learning more about the disease, there are some things you should know. Here are the big and the small:
Post-exertional malaise is a nagging affliction that plagues many afflicted with ME/CFS. The goal of PEM management is to find a balance between rest and activity. It’s a delicate balancing act to keep symptoms from escalating.
The best way to tackle this task is to know which patients are at high risk. These patients may benefit from non-pharmacological pain management techniques such as gentle massage, stretching, and toning exercises. Other options include acupuncture, heat, and movement therapies.
For the most part, the scientific community has been slow to recognize post-exertional malaise as a legitimate disease entity. Although there are some studies that confirm the presence of the ailment, none of these studies have formally evaluated its effects. The ailment can be triggered by any kind of exertion, from sleep deprivation to stress and anxiety.
The best way to deal with PEM is to identify which patients are at higher risk. These include those afflicted with severe cases of ME/CFS or who are under the influence of a debilitating illness. The most common symptoms associated with post-exertional malaise include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. It isn’t always easy to spot these symptoms, so a good way to combat them is to track them in a daily diary.
Graded exercise therapy
Using graded exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome has been controversial. Although there are few studies with small numbers of participants, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
Graded exercise therapy is an exercise program that gradually increases the intensity, duration, and duration of physical activity. It is proposed that this will improve physical functioning and reduce the extra effort that is associated with chronic fatigue. It also promotes engagement in a physical activity program.
The effects of exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome are unclear because of a lack of long-term follow-up. The effectiveness of graded exercise therapy is probably related to its ability to reduce deconditioning and central sensitization, which contributes to hyperresponsiveness of the central nervous system. However, further randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the most effective treatment for this condition.
Several studies have shown that exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome can reduce fatigue. These studies include Powell 2001, Wearden 1998, and White 2011. These studies used a variety of methods. Some studies compared graded exercise therapy to treatment as usual. Others compared exercise therapy to supportive listening, anaerobic exercise, or cognitive behavioral therapy.
In a 2007 study, anaerobic exercise was compared to cognitive therapy and supportive listening. The results showed that anaerobic exercise had a small effect size, but no statistically significant differences were found. The study also demonstrated that cognitive therapy did not improve pain or fatigue.
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