CFS, Symptoms, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can cause a wide range of baffling symptoms. The primary and definitive one is extreme and debilitating exhaustion for which no other cause can be found.

The symptoms of this syndrome resemble those of flu and other viral infections, so it is often mistaken for other disorders. It is often misdiagnosed as hypochondria, psychosomatic illness, or depression, because routine medical tests do not detect any problems. The syndrome is three times more prevalent in women than in men, and primarily affects young adults between the ages of twenty and forty.

The symptoms of CFS can include:

	Recent onset of debilitating fatigue. Fatigue, so severe that activities such as taking a shower or brushing your teeth may be too strenuous; fatigue that is not a result of exertion; it is not relieved by rest or sleep, and is made worse with exercise.
	The least physical and mental effort causes exhaustion and weakness.
	The body aches with joint and muscle pain. Migrating joint pain without swelling or redness.
	Muscle soreness and weakness
	Persistent low-grade fever (often in the afternoon).
	Sleep disorders (insomnia or oversleeping).
	Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck and under arms.
	The mind and spirit are also affected by the fatigue and weakness.
	Recurrent sore throat.
	Headaches.
	Long-lasting malaise following physical exertion.
	Memory loss, forgetfulness
	Mental confusion and poor concentration
	Digestive problems
	Loss of appetite
	Intestinal problems
	Jaundice
	Food and environmental allergies/sensitivities
	Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections
	Depression
	Autoimmune reactions
	Dizziness
	Mood swings
	Anxiety attacks
	Night sweats
	Rashes
	Breathing irregularities
	Weight loss
	Exercise intolerance
	Poor analytical thinking
	Spatial disorientation
	Hypersensitivity to heat and cold and to light and sound
	Irregular heartbeat

Some people also suffer limited memory loss, which is usually temporary, and mental confusion.

The Centers for Disease Control stipulates that a continuance of a number of the above afflictions for six months is a strong indication that CFS is present. As with many chronic illnesses, there are periods of improvement and relapse, and the disease often lasts indefinitely.

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, CFS can make it very difficult to carry on a normal life. As routine tasks become more and more of a challenge, both physically and mentally, your ability to function can be severely curtailed.

Weakness and lack of energy can make just getting out of bed to face the day a major accomplishment.

Next Topic: Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

[Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Home][Fibromyalgia Home][Diseases Home]

Holisticonline.com is developed and maintained by ICBS, Inc.
Send mail to: info@holisticonline.com with comments about this web site.
Copyright � 1998-2007 ICBS, Inc. Terms of Use
All Rights Reserved.