What Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition with a wide range of symptoms, which is why it’s not so easy to diagnose.

5-Minute Crafts did their best to put together all known facts about this condition and find out how to protect yourself from it.

! This article is for information only. If you have any of these symptoms, turn to your doctor for help.

Description of the syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition where a person feels very tired for a fairly long period of time. This feeling worsens with physical or mental activity but doesn’t improve with rest.

Due to the fact that the syndrome is associated with various symptoms that are similar to other diseases, it can be difficult to diagnose.

Chronic fatigue syndrome usually appears in a person between the ages of 20 and 40 and affects women more often. However, this syndrome can also affect children.

Most people can experience a lack of energy after exercise, lack of sleep, or illness. Unlike chronic fatigue syndrome, normal fatigue generally goes away after getting more rest or recovering from illness.

Causes of chronic fatigue

The main cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is still not fully known. To date, there are several suggestions about what may cause this condition:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Hormonal imbalance
• Immune system problems
• Genetic predisposition
• Stress

Symptoms

There is no specific test to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome. It’s diagnosed by ruling out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

However, the United States Institute of Medicine identified several signs that characterize chronic fatigue syndrome:

• It’s impossible to engage in daily activities in full, as before the illness.
• The condition is new to a person, not lifelong.
• Severe fatigue doesn’t go away, even after having rest.
• A person feels worse after physical, mental, or emotional exertion.
• Sleeping problems may also occur.

In addition, there must be 1-2 symptoms from the list below:

• Dizziness that gets worse when you try to get up from a sitting or lying position
• Difficulties with memory, focus, and concentration

These symptoms should manifest themselves for at least 6 months in a moderate or severe form.

Chronic fatigue may be a symptom of many other chronic conditions.

Prevention

To prevent the onset of chronic fatigue, it’s recommended to:

• Avoid stressful situations.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Soothe stress.
• Zap colds and other illnesses in the bud.
• Eat healthy food.
• Keep a diary with notes about your well-being.
• Plan a day with a comfortable schedule.
• Engage in physical activity according to your abilities.