Fatigue can be caused by numerous treatable illnesses and diseases. And having any one of these fatigue causing conditions excludes you from a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS).
In other words, if your fatigue symptoms arise out of another condition, you will be treated for that alternate underlining condition.
Conditions and causes that include fatigue as a symptom include:
- cancer
- obesity
- narcolepsy
- sleep apnea
- schizophrenia
- hypothyroidism
- eating disorders
- hormonal disorders
- persistent infections
- autoimmune disease
- chronic mononucleosis
- alcohol/illegal drug abuse
- bipolar affective disorders
- major depressive disorders
- prescription medication reactions
In the absence of these condition, and you experience extreme fatigue to which rest offers no relief and activity worsens your wariness, then you may be a candidate for chronic fatigue.
There is no specific test for diagnosing your fatigue as chronic. However, a chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis determination may be made if your fatigue is chronic for 6 or more months and you experience at least 4 of these symptoms:
- sore throat
- muscle pain
- tender lymph nodes
- exercise intolerance
- not refreshed by sleep
- headaches ~ new type, pattern or severity
- multiple joint pain w/o swelling or redness
- post exertion malaise lasting 24 hours plus
- substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration
A myriad of symptoms are commonly reported by CFS sufferers, such as:
- nausea
- dry eyes
- diarrhea
- jaw pain
- bloating
- insomnia
- ear aches
- dizziness
- weakness
- dry mouth
- chest pain
- weight loss
- muscle pain
- night sweats
- chronic cough
- abdominal pain
- skin sensations
- impaired memory
- morning stiffness
- irregular heartbeat
- alcohol intolerance
- tingling sensations
- shortness of breath
- diminished mental concentration
- fatigue persisting for a very long time
- psychological problems ~ depression, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks
The cause or causes of this form of fatigue remains a mystery. Research continues, and some areas receiving attention encompass:
- genetic factors
- immune system
- nervous system
- endocrine system
- environmental factors
It is estimated that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects a million plus individuals in the U.S., with at least ten times this many experiencing fatigue who’s accompanying symptoms don’t meet the CFS definition. Most of whom are in the 40-50 year age range and are women.
Ladies, you need to get your health ducks in a row ~ beginning with proper diet and exercise.
