Chronic fatigue syndrome is a type of health problem that causes a person to feel constantly tired and weak. This condition, which negatively affects the person in many ways from sleep patterns to social life and work life, can be caused by different reasons. Chronic fatigue problem should be taken seriously and treated because it significantly reduces the quality of life. Especially in the presence of constant fatigue lasting longer than six months, it is useful to consult a doctor, get examined and get information about the causes of this condition. You can find the answers to your questions such as “What is chronic fatigue syndrome?”, “What is good for chronic fatigue?”, “Which doctor should I see for chronic fatigue?” in the rest of our content
What is Chronic Fatigue?
The question of “What is chronic fatigue?” can be answered as a feeling of extreme tiredness that has existed for a long time and does not improve with rest. People struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome usually do not look sick when viewed from the outside. However, these individuals may have difficulty even performing the daily activities they need for their daily lives. Patients usually need to lie down, sleep and rest for a long time after a physical activity that is not too tiring. In some severe cases, people with chronic fatigue syndrome may even be confined to bed.
What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue?
Fatigue is a very common condition and many factors such as physical exertion, psychological factors, acute or chronic illness can cause fatigue. However, in order for the condition to be defined as chronic fatigue syndrome, the extreme fatigue must have been ongoing for at least six months. Some of the common specific symptoms of chronic fatigue are as follows
Post-Exertion Weakness
People with chronic fatigue experience worsening symptoms after mental, emotional, or physical exertion. This condition, called post-exertional fatigue, usually begins within 12 to 24 hours after the activity. It can last for days or weeks.
Memory and Thinking Problems
People struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome are likely to experience problems with cognitive performance, such as difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness.
Muscle and Joint Pain
Physical symptoms of chronic fatigue can include a variety of pains. Muscle pain affecting various parts of the body, multiple joint pains without redness or swelling, and frequent headaches may be seen.
Dizziness
Low blood pressure and frequent dizziness often accompany chronic fatigue. These people may also be affected by orthostatic intolerance, a condition in which dizziness and lightheadedness occur when standing up from a lying or sitting position.
Sleep Problems
Sleep problems are quite common in individuals affected by chronic fatigue. Individuals may not wake up feeling sleepy despite sleeping for a long time, may feel sleepy frequently during the day, or may have difficulty falling asleep.
What Causes Chronic Fatigue?
The question “What causes chronic fatigue?” is frequently asked by people who constantly feel tired and exhausted. Although the exact cause is not known, the following are among the risk factors that are thought to be effective in the formation of chronic fatigue:
- Genetic predisposition
- Past bacterial or viral infections
- Problems with energy metabolism, the body's process of obtaining energy from nutrients such as carbohydrates and fats
- Physical or emotional traumas
How Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosed?
The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are similar to many different types of diseases. Anemias, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, psychiatric conditions such as depression, and many other conditions such as chronic diseases can be given as examples. These similarities can make it difficult to diagnose the disease. In some patients, symptoms may improve from time to time and intensify at other times. Therefore, it is very important to conduct a comprehensive medical examination and listen to the patient's medical history in detail to diagnose the disease. The physician must be informed about the existing diseases, and information about the severity of the symptoms, the periods of their occurrence, and the tendency to increase and decrease must be clearly conveyed to the physician. Diagnostic methods such as blood tests and some imaging tests can be used to distinguish between different disease possibilities. After different disease possibilities are also ruled out, chronic fatigue can be diagnosed if the findings match.
How to Treat Chronic Fatigue?
There is no direct treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. However, various treatment approaches can be determined to manage the symptoms that affect people intensely. Some of the applications that can be given as an answer to the questions “How to get rid of chronic fatigue?” and “How to get rid of chronic fatigue syndrome?” include
Management of Post-Exertional Fatigue
In order to manage fatigue after exertion, there should be a balance between activity and rest periods. A diary of activities performed and fatigue symptoms experienced can be kept to track how much activity affects chronic fatigue symptoms. In the beginning, you can try to be active without overdoing it, and an active lifestyle can be created by gradually increasing your activity level.
Medication
Various painkillers can be used to manage pain, heart rhythm and blood pressure regulating drugs can be used to manage orthostatic intolerance, and antidepressant drugs can be used to combat depression and similar psychiatric problems. However, a health professional should definitely be consulted for correct diagnosis and treatment.
Lifestyle Changes
Some lifestyle changes can significantly reduce symptoms. Paying attention to your diet, limiting or completely quitting caffeine, nicotine and alcohol intake can help combat insomnia. Also, regulating your sleep hours can significantly reduce chronic fatigue symptoms.
Alternative Medicine Approaches and Supplements
Various practices such as massage, acupuncture, and yoga can be beneficial in managing pain and other symptoms associated with chronic fatigue. Similarly, some nutritional supplements can have positive effects in terms of strengthening the immune system and preventing chronic fatigue. It is useful to consult a physician before starting any alternative medicine practice or nutritional supplement.
Is There a Relationship Between Chronic Fatigue and the Immune System?
The exact mechanism of development of chronic fatigue syndrome is not known. However, one of the factors thought to be effective in the development of the disease is the immune system. Some studies have shown that chronic fatigue is more likely to develop after events that challenge the immune system, such as viral infections. It is also emphasized that exaggerated reactions of the immune system or, conversely, a weak immune system may also play a role in the development of chronic fatigue. Therefore, it may be beneficial to keep the immune system healthy and strong.
Which Doctor Should You See for Chronic Fatigue?
“Which doctor should I see for chronic fatigue?” is another question that is frequently asked by people who constantly feel tired. Chronic fatigue is a condition that can be difficult to distinguish from other diseases, and therefore you may need a series of health checks. If you are experiencing chronic fatigue symptoms as above, you can first go to your family doctor and have your general health screenings done and routine blood tests. Many conditions such as mental problems such as depression, stress, rheumatological diseases, neurological disorders or nutritional problems can be effective in the development of fatigue symptoms. Therefore, after a general evaluation, referrals to different medical units can be made and more detailed research can be done. A treatment plan can be shaped accordingly.
If you are looking for a vitamin for chronic fatigue or a herbal solution for chronic fatigue, it would be beneficial to first consult your physician and have an examination regarding the symptoms you are experiencing. You can prevent chronic fatigue symptoms by starting the necessary applications in line with the recommendations given by your physician. You can also examine our other related topics such as “ What Happens If the Immune System Collapses? ”, “ The Importance of Sleep for a Healthy Life ” and “ Foods That Strengthen the Immune System ” to obtain different information that can help you combat the problems you are experiencing.
Source
https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/index.html#:~:text=a%20person's%20life.-,Overview,pain%2C%20and%20many%20other%20symptoms
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/archive/news/ioppn/records/2018/december/clues-to-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-in-overactive-immune-response
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324032
https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-fatigue-syndrome
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360510