What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
CFS is an illness characterized by profound and prolonged exhaustion, not relieved by rest and not directly caused by other illnesses or conditions. People with CFS exhibit flu-like symptoms that do not subside in a few days or weeks. A significant characteristic of CFS is post-exertional malaise, a worsening of symptoms that lasts for more than 24 hours following exertion.
How Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is Diagnosed
Since there is not a specific test that reliably identifies CFS, and because it closely resembles other illnesses, the first diagnostic step usually involves a series of tests that will help the physician rule out other illnesses. Once other disorders have been excluded, the next step is to evaluate the patient according to the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) diagnostic criteria.
What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Unfortunately, no one really knows what causes chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Often it occurs following a cold, flu or viral infection. It can start during or after a period of high physical or emotional stress. Yet sometimes it comes on gradually, with no clear starting point. Two decades of research have still not revealed a clear answer to the cause of CFS.
Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There is no specific treatment that has proven to be effective in treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Because CFS has no known cure and its cause remains uncertain, any treatment plan focuses primarily on treating the symptoms in an effort to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Seven Steps to Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome can take over your life. Take back control. Learn to control your disease, don't let your disease control you. Here are seven steps to help you manage your CFS and take back control of your life.
History of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is often thought to be a fairly new illness, however, conditions with similar symptoms have been described in medical literature since the eighteenth century.
