An Overview of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

By Kristi Patrice Carter

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating and complex disorder that can be characterized by unrelenting mental and physical fatigue of unknown origin. Although it is not life threatening, it is a state whereby sufferers experience debilitating fatigue that is not resolved with bed rest and is severe enough to reduce average daily activity by at least 50 percent for at least 6 months or longer. The symptoms of CFS seem to worsen with physical and mental exertion, and unfortunately there is no known cure. However, with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many sufferers spontaneously recover or learn to cope with this illness.

CFS affects men and women of various ages and is extremely difficult to diagnose because it has the tendency to mimic other illnesses. As such, many medical professionals misdiagnose it as the flu, viral infections, and even psychosomatic illnesses or depression.

Current researchers believe that CFS affects the central nervous system, the immune system, and many other organs as well. Researchers also hypothesize that it is linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV), members of the herpes virus family that cause mononucleosis. Some other researchers believe that CFS is caused by an unidentified immune system dysfunction or a defect in the mechanism that regulates blood pressure. Other researchers attempt to link CFS to anemia, chronic mercury poisoning from amalgam dental fillings, hypothyroidism, and sleep issues.

Some common symptoms of CFS include unrelenting fatigue, sleep disturbances, chronic sore throat, dizziness, aching joints, muscle spasms, candidiasis, poor memory, low blood pressure, irritability, intestinal problems and pain, loss of appetite, recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, congestion, swollen glands, environmental sensitivities, jaundice, and reoccurring headaches.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek the care of a qualified physician that is familiar with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. He will test you for various chronic clinical conditions before making a diagnosis.