Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complicated combination of myalgic encephalomyelitis and other conditions. It results in extreme tiredness that lasts for a minimum of half a year. Exercise or mental thinking exacerbates symptoms, even while relaxation doesn't eliminate them.

The etiology of ME/CFS remains unknown despite several theories. A multitude of factors may interact to produce it, according to experts. No test can determine a diagnosis. If you have symptoms similar to those of another ailment, various medical tests may be required to rule that condition out. Reducing symptoms is the aim of the condition's therapy.

Causes Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The cause of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is yet unknown. Several factors could be involved, including:

• Genetics: Some individuals may be prone to ME/CFS from birth because the condition appears to run in some families.
• Infections: Some people get better from a viral or bacterial infection before they have ME/CFS symptoms.
• Trauma, either in the body or mind: Some people say that they had surgery, got hurt, or had a lot of mental stress right before their symptoms appeared.
• Problems with energy usage: For certain ME/CFS patients, the body's fuel primarily fats and sugars can be challenging to convert into energy.

Also Read: Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage, Extradural Hemorrhage & Subdural Hemorrhage

Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The severity of ME/CFS symptoms varies from person to person and may fluctuate from day to day. Weariness may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Excessive fatigue after physical or mental effort.
• Problems with memory or thought processes.
• Lightheadedness that gets worse when you rise after sitting or lying down.
• Pain in the muscles or joints.
• Sleep that does not restore energy.
• Headaches, sore throats, and sensitive lymph nodes in the neck or beneath the arms are reported by some patients with this sickness. The condition may also cause heightened sensitivity to light, sound, smells, food, and drugs in its victims.

Also Read: What is Congestive Heart Failure? - NEET PG Medicine

Risk factors Of Chronic Fatigue syndrome

The following factors may make you more susceptible to ME/CFS:

• Age: While anyone can get ME/CFS at any age, those in their twenties and thirties tend to be the most impacted.
• Sex: Women are diagnosed with ME/CFS significantly more often than males are. Nevertheless, women may be simply more prone to report symptoms to medical professionals.
• Other medical conditions: Those having a history of other complex medical disorders, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or fibromyalgia, may be more susceptible to ME/CFS.

Also Read: Dyspnea: Causes, Symptoms, Types, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Diagnosis Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

One test is insufficient to diagnose myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). These and many other health problems might share similar symptoms, including:

• Problems with sleep: Fatigue may result from sleep-related disorders. A sleep study can assist in determining whether you have restless legs syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, or insomnia if you're having problems falling asleep.
• Other medical conditions: Fatigue is often associated with several medical conditions, such as diabetes, an underactive thyroid, and anemia. A lab can test your blood to check for the presence of some of the top suspects.
• Disorders of the mind: Furthermore, weariness can be a symptom of several mental health conditions, such as sadness and anxiety. If any of these problems are causing your exhaustion, a counselor can assist in identifying it.

Furthermore, it is common for individuals with ME/CFS to also be dealing with other medical disorders such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, or sleep disturbances at the same time.

This sickness and fibromyalgia have so many symptoms in common that some doctors consider them to be different forms of the same illness.

Standards for Diagnostics

The following is the definition of fatigue associated with ME/CFS according to US Institute of Medicine guidelines:

• So severe that it prevents you from engaging in activities you used to do before the illness.
• New or with a distinct beginning.
• Rest could have greatly improved this.
• Intensified by physical, psychological, or emotional stress.

Additionally, for the patient to satisfy the Institute of Medicine's diagnostic criteria for this ailment, at least one of the following two symptoms would need to be present:

• Problems with focus, memory, and concentration.
• Lightheadedness that gets worse when you rise after sitting or lying down.
• During the required six-month period, these symptoms must be moderately, considerably, or severely intense at least half the time.

Also Read: Bronchoconstriction: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Treatment Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There is no recognized treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Reduction of symptoms is the aim of treatment. The most annoying or incapacitating symptoms should be treated first.

Medicines

Some of the symptoms of ME/CFS can be alleviated by certain drugs. For illustration, think about:

• Pain: Prescription drugs are occasionally used to treat fibromyalgia, so you may pick them if over-the-counter remedies such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) aren't helpful enough. Amitriptyline, duloxetine (Cymbalta), pregabalin (Lyrica), and gabapentin (Neurontin) are among them.
• An intolerance for orthostatic stress: Some patients, particularly teenagers experience lightheadedness or nausea when sitting or standing up straight. Medication for heart rhythm problems or blood pressure may be helpful.
• Depression: Depression affects a significant portion of people with long-term conditions such as ME/CFS. You can better manage the difficulties that accompany living with a chronic illness by taking care of your depression. a few antidepressants in low dosages can also aid in improving sleep and relieving pain.

Pacing to relieve post-exercise exhaustion

Patients with ME/CFS experience worsening symptoms when they engage in physical, mental, or emotional stress. This is known as "post-exercise malaise." It could begin 12 to 24 hours following the workout and last for a few days or weeks.

For people who have post-exertional malaise, finding a good work-life balance may be challenging. The goal is to be active without becoming excessive. Pace is another term for this.

Pacing is intended to reduce post-exertional malaise, not to get you back to your pre-illness activity level. As you recover, you might be able to up the intensity of your workouts without feeling lethargic afterward. You can figure out how much activity is too much for you by keeping a daily log of your symptoms and activities.

Taking care of problems related to sleep

Getting too little sleep can make it harder to control other symptoms. You can be advised by your healthcare practitioner to avoid caffeine or to change up your nightly routine. Sleep apnea can be treated using a device that delivers air pressure through a mask while you sleep.

Complications Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The symptoms of ME/CFS are cyclical and are triggered by physical or psychological stress. As a result, people could find it difficult to maintain a regular work routine or even to take care of themselves at home.

Many patients may have periods throughout their sickness when they are too weak to get out of bed. Some might need help using wheelchairs.

Also Read: Tachycardia: Causes, Symptoms, Types, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Complications

Download the PrepLadder app now and unlock a 24-hour FREE trial of premium high-yield content. Access Video Lectures, digital notes, QBank, and Mock Tests for FREE to ace your NEET PG preparation. Elevate your study experience and gear up for success. Start your journey with PrepLadder today!