 |
|
|||||||||
Jun 04, 2006
Constant tiredness: causes & treatment
by SirGan
 When someone is feeling almost constant tiredness, the condition is called chronic fatigue and in most cases- it is a part of one specific syndrome called chronic fatigue syndrome! What exactly is this syndrome? Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS), is a syndrome characterized by extremely low levels of energy over a prolonged period, affecting the central nervous system (CNS), immune, and many other systems and organs.Incidence of the conditionSeveral studies in the United States have found between 75 and 420 cases of chronic tiredness syndrome for every 100,000 adults. Far more women than men get this syndrome and it is proven that between 60 and 85% of cases are women. Members of ethnic minorities and low income classes are slightly more likely to develop this problem.
SymptomsCertainly the most common symptom is this almost constant tiredness and profound, overwhelming exhaustion, both mental and physical, which is worsened by exertion, and is not relieved by rest. There are many other symptoms that could be a part of this syndrome and the most common are:
Pain in this syndrome is very common and present in almost all cases. It may include:
Some patients have also experienced bone, eye and testicular pain, neuralgia and painful skin sensitivity.
Although, not very often, people with chronic fatigue syndrome may experience some cognitive problems and some of the most common symptoms are forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty thinking, concentration difficulties…Some experts have also reported possible aphasia, agnosia, loss of cognitive body map and other neurological symptoms!
It is reported that some people with chronic fatigue syndrome are often sensitive to light, sound, and some chemicals and foods.
Several studies have proven that people with this syndrome often have big problems with controlling their body temperature! For example- they report big temperature fluctuations, probably due to involvement of the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature.
One of the most common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome is un-refreshing sleep! Some also report insomnia and difficulties in maintaining a sleep schedule.
Some of the most common psychological problems are:
Experts still don’t know what the exact cause of these symptoms is.
There are several less frequent symptoms such as: abdominal pain, alcohol intolerance, bloating, chest pain, chronic cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry eyes and mouth…
Possible causes of chronic tirednessThe fact is that doctors really don't know the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. It is known that the fatigue is characterized by a very slow recovery of muscle power. So, a moderate amount of exercise will involve at least two or three days of recovery for the person affected by chronic fatigue syndrome. It is evidenced that those who develop the condition often have a recent history of viral infection, usually an upper respiratory infection - such as a cold or flu - or a digestive tract problem that includes diarrhea and vomiting.
Several other possible theories have been proposed, including:
Problem is that in most of the cases, however, no serious underlying infection or disease is proved to specifically cause chronic fatigue syndrome.
Are there any risk factors?Although many experts have proposed some risk factors- none of those are proven to be related with this syndrome! The fact is that women are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome two to four times as often as men are, but sex isn't a proven risk factor for the condition. People under stress are in high risk because stress is a significant factor, especially as a catalyst in the final stages of development and identification of the condition, affecting as many as 80 per cent of patients.
Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome
The fact is that many people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome look surprisingly well and no one could really tell that they have any problems. However it is believed that an appropriate examination is necessary because:
A diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome is based on exclusion. Many diseases that display similar symptoms to those of CFS have to be ruled out:
ComplicationsThere are several possible complications of chronic fatigue syndrome and some of the most common include:
Treatment of chronic tiredness syndromeBig problem is that there's no specific treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. But doctors try to help patients by using a combination of treatments, which may include:
Some lifestyle changes such as avoiding excessive physical and psychological stress could be crucial part of effective treatment.
Patients may be advised to begin a graduated exercise program in which physical activity gradually increases. This is also very important because it can prevent muscle weakness caused by prolonged inactivity. Gentle exercise that stretches the muscles, calisthenics or yoga will stimulate the lymphatic system.
Most of the psychiatrist can treat problems often related to chronic fatigue syndrome, such as depression, with medication or behavior therapy. One more thing! If a person is depressed, medications such as tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may help. Some of the most commonly used antidepressants are
Food allergies need to be identified and eliminated.
Symptoms such as dizziness can sometimes be relieved by clonazepam (Klonopin).
Homeopathic treatmentAlthough the fact is that most makers of various dietary supplements and herbal remedies claim these substances have many benefits for people with chronic fatigue syndrome, effectiveness still hasn't been proved in controlled studies.
It has been used for swollen, painful glands in the neck; muscular pain; fever; pain going from the back of the head to the front; tired eyes; blurred vision; digestive acidity; flatulence…
It has been used for constant chilliness; painful joints; poor memory; depression; great anxiety; great tearfulness; panic attacks; confusion; itchy scalp;
It is the best remedy for painful joints and muscular pain; headache with fever; migraine; sore, tired eyes; blurred vision;
It has been used for many years in the treatment of swollen, tender glands in the neck; muscular pain and painful joints; difficulty in concentrating; poor memory; difficulty in articulating; dizziness; ramping abdominal pains; insomnia; thrush.
For pain in the temples; sore, tired eyes; bloated stomach; flatulence; cramping abdominal pains; numb fingers; aching arms; irritable bowel syndrome.
For constant chilliness; muscle pain and painful joints; weakness after the slightest exertion; premenstrual irritability; great tearfulness; anxiety and depression; poor memory; blurred vision; aching arms.
|
|
|
Article sources
|
