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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

(CFS)

 

·        What is CFS?

·        Symptoms

·        Possible Causes

·        Suggestions

·         Related Topics

 

What is CFS?

"Nobody is sure what causes chronic fatigue syndrome. As more becomes known, it's likely that some chronic fatigue patients will turn out to have different underlying problems than others. One major symptom, however, is feeling bad after exercise for more than 24 hours."

Tricky Heart May Cause Chronic Fatigue

 

Symptoms

"Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome often resemble the flu. Rather than going away after a few days, however, these symptoms last for prolonged periods of time or come and go frequently for more than six months.

Chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms may include:

  • Headache
  • Fatigue and muscle weakness, especially after exercise
  • Mild fever
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Body and muscle aches
  • Sleep problems
  • Swollen or tender lymph nodes
  • Depression
  • Anxiety"

WebMD: Newly Diagnosed: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

 

Possible Causes

Possible Cause: Heart Problem

"Miller wonders -- if heart problems might be a cause of chronic fatigue syndrome -- why more chronic fatigue patients aren't dying of heart disease. Both he and Peckerman agree that more study is needed.

     What's happening to the hearts of people with chronic fatigue syndrome? It's too soon to tell, but Peckerman has a theory."

WebMD: Tricky Heart May Cause Chronic Fatigue

 

Possible Cause: A Virus

"Although the exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not known, researchers think it may be caused by a virus. Why? CFS often emerges after a bout with a cold, bronchitis, hepatitis, or other infectious disease. Recent research also suggests that inflammation within the nervous system caused by some type of immune system dysfunction may also play a role in the development of chronic fatigue syndrome."

WebMD: Newly Diagnosed: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

 

Possible Cause: Abnormal Glucose Metabolism

Some articles claim that patients with CFS have an abnormal glucose metabolism, and are unable to effectively metabolize glucose. (Abnormal glucose metabolism is also associated with Hypoglycemia)

   If this is true, then people with CFS should avoid excessive exercise in order to avoid lactic acidosis.

   Lactic acidosis is the condition in which lactic acid causes the "burning" sensation felt in muscles during high intensity exercise and also prevents muscles from working their best.. Lactic acidosisis normally experienced by athletes and should be no cause for concern.

Note: The following article uses the term 'lactic acid poisoning' to refer to lactic acidosis.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Abnormal Glucose Metabolism in CFS

 

More information about abnormal glucose metabolism:

Hypoglycemia: Metabolism

 

More information about lactic acid:

WebMD: Minimizing Lactic Acid Build-Up

 

Suggestions

"Most experts agree that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help improve the quality of life for people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Recommended steps include:

  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet
  • Engaging in regular, mild physical exercise Getting adequate rest
  • Avoiding potential triggers of CFS, such as too much stress"

WebMD: Newly Diagnosed: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

 

Related Topics

·        Research Topics: Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS)

 

 

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