Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)-Diagnosis and Treatment

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) – Diagnosis and Treatment

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a weakening syndrome that is characterized by severe fatigue and tiredness that stays even after good sleep. Usually observed for a period of upto 6 months if with rest (mental and physical) the tiredness and weakness do no alleviate then doctors start the diagnosis of CFS.

There are some other symptoms and a couple of these are also present with the extreme fatigue.

The symptoms are

• Memory loss and slow recall
• Always feeling sleepy
• Insomnia
• Body pain and pain in muscles
• Frequent headaches
• Recurring sore throat and pain
• Tender lymph nodes in neck and armpit
• More than 24 hours of weakness and fatigue after exercise, other little strenuous physical and mental activity

Some of the other diseases that may have few symptoms similar to CFS

• Mononucleosis
• Lyme disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Lupus (SLE)
• Hypothyroidism
• Fibromyalgia
• Acute depression

Medical Treatment

CFS has no particular medicine or set of treatment. The doctors as per symptoms of the person suggest medicines and treatment. It is important to continue the medical treatment and follow medical advice.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes Helps in CFS

Work schedule: The time of the day when the energy levels are at peak, it is best to allot most of the work during those times.

Sleep and Rest: Maintain sleep time and try to avoid other distractions before sleeping time like phone calls, televisions, computer games and any discussion.

Food and Nutrition: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, junk packages and processed food, carbonated drinks. Prefer home cooked less spicy food. Eat freshly cooked food and a have a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, dairies and animal protein or protein of your choice as per habit, eating culture. Nutrition and weight management is important.

Fitness and exercises: Take up light exercises and slowly increase the activity time. Be comfortable and do not overdo. Yoga, asana, mind training, breathing exercises along with other exercise helps to feel better. It is important to maintain fitness level and prescribed body weight.