What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? - Discussion

What is chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a fairly controversial name given to a grouping of symptoms which have no other apparent cause.

The most marked feature of chronic fatigue syndrome is the persistent feeling of fatigue suggested by the name; individuals with this condition experience a feeling of fatigue that may worsen with mental or physical exertion and cannot be relieved by rest. Moreover, the feeling of fatigue expressed by patients with chronic fatigue syndrome is persistent even during times of little to no exertion.

A controversial disorder in itself, the name for this syndrome has been disputed as well. It is also referred to as post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) when the condition develops following a flu-like illness, myalgic encephalomyelitis, and several other terms.

In the 'what is chronic fatigue syndrome' debate, some patients feel that the use of the term "chronic fatigue syndrome" trivializes their condition and interferes with practitioners' ability to recognize it as a legitimate medical condition and to treat it as such.

Conversely, experts disagree about the name for this grouping of symptoms because the precise features and causes are not clearly known. For this reason, people in the medical field view CFS as a central nervous system, metabolic, infectious or post-infectious, cardiovascular, immune system, and psychiatric disorder, respectively. In essence, from a scientific perspective, there is little to no understanding about what is chronic fatigue syndrome, aside from the fact that this disorder causes people to experience a great deal of fatigue.

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Now, what is chronic fatigue syndrome characterized by?

Aside from the pervasive sense of fatigue that plagues people with this disorder, there are a number of symptoms that also occur in chronic fatigue syndrome. In deciding what is chronic fatigue syndrome, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires the following criteria to be fulfilled for a diagnosis of CFS:

1. A new onset (not lifelong) of unexplained, persistent fatigue unrelated to exertion and not substantially relieved by rest, that causes a significant reduction in previous levels of activity.
   
   
2. Four or more of the following symptoms are present for six months or more:
   • Impaired memory or concentration.
     
     
   • Postexertional malaise (extreme, prolonged exhaustion and sickness following physical or mental activity).
     
     
   • Unrefreshing sleep.
     
     
   • Muscle pain.
     
     
   • Multi-joint pain without swelling or redness.
     
     
   • Headaches of a new type or severity.
     
     
   • Sore throat that is frequent or recurring.
     
     
   • Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes.

     (Diagnostic Criteria, CDC)

CFS generally occurs with a rapid onset, and often appears with "flu-like" symptoms, and a significant number of cases begin within months of severe adverse stress; fortunately, there are several treatments available for people suffering from the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

What is chronic fatigue syndrome usually treated with? While there is no universal cure, but there are a number of therapies currently used, which include:

• Diets
• Physiotherapy
• Dietary Supplements
• Antidepressants
• Pain Killers
• Pacing
• Complementary Medicine
• Alternative Medicine
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Graded Exercise Therapy

Though all forms of therapy are certainly worth exploring, it is important to note that the latter two are the only ones that have been supported by research in terms of proven effectiveness.

Chronic fatigue syndrome, regardless of the controversy and disagreement that perpetually surrounds it, is no doubt a frustrating and debilitating disorder. It is unfortunate that we do not yet know a great deal about this condition, but there are a number of therapies available to individuals who struggle with chronic fatigue, which will undoubtedly improve as research continues and more information emerges.

For the best shot at full recovery and healing, a holistic and comprehensive natural healing protocol should be explored. Aspects such as optimal nutrition, detoxification, exercise, circulation, etc must be addressed. While we do not fully understand what is chronic fatigue syndrome, natural healing enables us to harness the body's innate ability to heal itself, when given the right circumstances and environment. You can learn more on the rest of this website.

Click here to learn more about how to beat fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome in 30 days.

Click here for natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for fatigue.

Click here for more pages and articles on Fatigue.

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