Ground Report

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complex disorder that results in excessive lack of energy that cannot be attributed to any one underlying medical condition. Fatigue generally increases with routine physical and mental activity and fails to improve with periods of rest. Some professionals speculate that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can stem from a viral infection or even be manifested through psychological pressure. At this time there is little medical testing capabilities to diagnose it however, recognizing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms can be helpful in treating and alleviating this troubling condition.

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

While medical professionals do not yet understand precisely what causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, genetic predispositions have been recognized and studied among other factors including: hormone imbalance, infections caused by virus, and immune system dysfunction. Abnormal hormone blood levels play a significant role in extreme fatigue. Herpes and some leukemia’s are an example of a virus that can cause this condition in some humans.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

Being physically and mentally tired, lack of concentration, having a sore throat and even stomach problems can all be signs of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Here we take an in-depth look at each symptom:

Fatigue and muscle pain and aches

Fatigue is exhaustion, or the feeling of tiredness resulting from lack of energy and differs from weakness, which is a lack of physical strength. Fatigue has been experienced by everyone at some point in time resulting from lack of sleep, boredom and lack of exercise yet, in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, this condition is amplified and does not improve with rest.

Feeling tired even after a good night’s sleep; and profound exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after mental or physical exercise
More than being tired, continuing to experience fatigue even after a good night rest can be the result of personal habits, emotional toll and even illness. Constant fatigue that lasts more than a day is not normal and can be a symptom of something more serious.

Impaired concentration or memory and brain fog

Memory loss and mild cognitive impairment can be caused through anxiety and being preoccupied. Like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome itself, this symptom’s cause is difficult to determine because it is a complex condition as well. Brain fog and forgetfulness is attributed to several medical conditions including depression, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis and conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Continuous or reoccurring headache

Experiencing a headache that lasts and presents frequently is a symptom of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Headaches are caused when pain originates from the tissues that surround the brain and is typically described as either dull, throbbing, sharp, mild or intense pain.

Stomach problems including nausea and loss of appetite and irritable bowels

Nausea is always a sign that something significantly wrong is happening within the body. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be linked to stomach virus but it can also present absent illness because bowel problems and gastrointestinal disorders originate from mental upset as well.
Enlarged lymph nodes

CFS can cause swollen glands and enlarged lymph nodes. This areas of the body are usually associated with acute illness but they are generally and most predominantly a signal that the immune system is being engaged to address some kind of pathogen. These glands are bundles of white nerve cells that can be stimulated from a chronically active immune system such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Sore throat and excessive sweating

A sore throat that reoccurs accompanied by swollen lymph glands is a symptom of CFS. This uncomfortable symptom can present mildly or severely. Unexplained excessive sweating is an additional symptom of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome because it is associated with hydration. Making sure to replenish the body’s electrolytes is very important to address this symptom.

Additional Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms

Conditions like sensitivity or intolerance to light, loud noise, risk factors with alcohol and certain foods along with balance problems, history of depression and panic attacks and moderate joint pain are additional CFS symptoms to be conscientious of. Joint pain, without swelling is an indication of whole body illness.

Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and associated symptoms

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and its associated symptoms can be successfully managed depending on how mild or severe each case is. Severe cases where an individual is unable to leave their home can have severe effects on overall health. Painkillers, sleep management and relaxation techniques are the best resources for managing CFS.

Since fatigue can be a symptom of various health problems and result from an underlying illness such as infection, seeking physician care to help diagnose consistent, excessive fatigue is recommended. Anyone can get Chronic Fatigue Syndrome so ruling out medical conditions like anemia, thyroid problems and liver or kidney problems is a good place to start. Symptoms can onset suddenly over a few days or progress gradually, making this condition all the more difficult to treat and understand.