Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is the most common name given to a variably debilitating disorder generally defined by persistent fatigue unrelated to exertion and not substantially relieved by rest, and accompanied by the presence of other specific symptoms for a minimum of six months.
Known causes
Despite vigorous researches, the cause or causes of CFS remain unknown. While a single cause for CFS may yet be identified, another possibility is that CFS represents a common endpoint of disease resulting from multiple precipitating causes.
l Much of the ongoing research into a cause has centered on the roles of the immune, endocrine and nervous systems may play in CFS.
l Genetic and environmental factors may play a role in developing and/or prolonging the illness, although more research is needed to confirm this.
l CFS is not caused by depression, although the two illnesses often coexist, and many patients with CFS have no psychiatric disorder.
Identify it
The illness results in a substantial reduction in occupational, personal, social or educational activities. Since there are no laboratory tests that specifically make the diagnosis of CFS, the diagnosis is based on symptoms. These symptoms include: cognitive dysfunction, including impaired memory or concentration; postexertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours; unrefreshing sleep; persistent joint and muscle pain. Other symptoms may include headaches, irritable bowel, nausea, psychological problems (depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks) and weight loss or gain.
Prevention
l Make sure you don’t attempt more activity than you can handle. Get plenty of rest, and exercise lightly on a regular basis.
l Eat a well-balanced diet of 50 per cent raw foods and fresh juices. Add some form of acidophilus to your diet, and regularly consume soured products such as yogurt and kefir. Acidophilus helps to keep candida under control.
l Consume at least eight glasses of water a day plus juices.
Treatment
There is no universally effective curative option. Diets, physiotherapy, dietary supplements, antidepressants, pain killers, pacing, and complementary and alternative medicine have been suggested as ways of managing CFS. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) have shown moderate effectiveness for many patients in multiple randomised controlled trials.