Meena was forever feeling exhausted. She could not keep up with the pace of her job and had to take leave for a while. When she returned, many of her projects had been handed over to another person. On visting a specialist, she was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and was devasted. Meena felt her job slipping through her fingers.
She found out about a coaching programme for CFS. There she learnt how to manage and predict her infirmity. She built up her morale and mustered the courage to talk to her employer about reduced responsibilities. The company granted her request and Meena is now confident about managing the illness and her job, with sufficient assistance.
The Disease
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS), is a disease that causes extreme fatigue. It is different from normal tiredness as it can last for up to six months and hampers one's ability to do daily tasks.
The cause of this syndrome is largely unknown and hence the definition is understandably vague, the most precise one being "severe mental and physical exhaustion or depletion which is unrelieved by rest" as per the UK Oxford dictionary. While most sections of the population may be affected by CFS, the disease largely hits women aged 40 to 50.
Causes or Risk Factors
Are you at risk for CFS? It would be difficult to determine that as many physicians feel that CFS is not a disease in itself but a component of other disorders. The term syndrome by itself means a collection of symptoms, not one disease or disorder. Hence, we cannot point out specific causes.
Commonly proposed disorders that come together in this syndrome include anaemia, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, hormone imbalances and dysfunction of the immune system. CFS may also be preceded by a viral infection or an episode of emotional trauma.
Experts have determined genetics and stress as the key factors in the development of CFS. Studies suggest that childhood stress or trauma significantly increases the likelihood of acquiring CFS as an adult. Another study found both stress and emotional instability to be significant risk factors.
Symptoms
The symptoms of CFS are very vague and often mirror that of many other diseases. However, if left undetected, it can have serious implications. Hence, a list of primary symptoms, as laid down by the International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Group:
- Loss of memory or concentration
- Sore throat
- Painful and mildly enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits
- Unexplained muscle soreness
- Pain that moves from one joint to another without swelling or redness
- Headache of a new type, pattern or severity
- Sleep disturbance
- Extreme exhaustion after normal exercise or exertion
Tests or Diagnosis
If you experience persistent fatigue and are unable to cure it by rest or sleep, see a doctor immediately. The doctor will determine if you have had at least four of the listed symptoms for a minimum of six months. In addition, he or she will rule out all other causes of the symptoms such as any other independent illness.
Treatment
Traditional treatment is at present, principally dependent on medication but making the required lifestyle changes is as important. Your doctor will advise you to take it easy and not overload yourself. A CFS patient will have to learn to conserve energy and live life at a peaceful pace.
There is also good evidence that a form of rehabilitation called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps people with CFS manage better on a day-to-day basis. The therapy is aimed at changing negative attitudes and teaching you to think more constructively.
Exercise has also been proven to help significantly in managing CFS. Mild exercise can serve well to control the muscle weakness caused by imposed inertia.
For this syndrome, some commonly administered drugs include antihistamines for allergy-like symptoms, fludrocortisone, atenolol and midodrine for hypotension, lorazepam and alprazolam for anxiety etc.
If you prefer altermnative medicine you can use homoeopathy and Ayurveda to supplement your CFS treatment. There are certain herbs like Siberian Ginseng, Centella asiatica, and Olea europea which are used in treating fatigue. Homeopathic medicines prescribed vary depending on your combination of symptoms. Aromatherapy with essential oils like Ravensara is also used to relieve the aches of CFS.
Prognosis
As of now, there is no cure for CFS. Most medications only provide relief from CFS symptoms. For most patients, the recover is gradual, but there have been cases where patients have recovered in six months to a year. Nevertheless, in the absence of medically certified curative measures, your only guarantee would be optimism and resilience.
Has this article helped you recognise what you never thought of as a disease? Do you know anyone who you think suffers from CFS? To share your experiences, views and tips with us, click here.
