Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder that involves profound fatigue. There is usually an abrupt onset of symptoms that come and go for at least six months. It is unknown whether it represents one or many disorders. It is difficult to diagnose because there is no specific medical test, or a defined set of signs and symptoms. It is seen most often in young adults between 20 and 40. Women outnumber the men about two to one.

Signs and symptoms

 

-Fatigue
-Sore throat
-Mild fever
-Lymph node pain
-Muscle weakness, stiffness, and discomfort
-Headache
-Sleep disturbances
-Mood swings; irritability; depression
-Confusion; forgetfulness
-Inability to concentrate
-Vision changes; sensitivity to light
-Dry eyes, mouth
-Diarrhea
-Loss of appetite

Unknown. An abnormal immune system response may be involved. Many theories center on an infectious agent, but no such agent has been identified. Epstein-Barr (a virus that causes mononucleosis) and others have been implicated.

-Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. There is no one test to identify CFS. Medical disorders that could be causing the fatigue and symptoms will be ruled out first.
-The guidelines used to define cases are:
1) Persistence of relapsing fatigue that does not resolve with bed rest, and is severe enough to reduce average daily activity by at least 50% for at least 6 months.

2) Other chronic clinical conditions have been satisfactorily excluded, including preexisting psychiatric disease.

-Steps in therapy may include a combination of lifestyle changes, starting a gradual exercise program, counseling, behavior therapy, and drug therapy.
-Lifestyle changes may include finding ways to cut back on work or other activities. This may help reduce physical and emotional stress. Stop smoking (find a way to quit that works for you).
-Counseling and/or behavior therapy may be helpful for coping with the emotional aspects of the disorder and learning how to reduce stress.
-Joining a support group is helpful for some patients

There is no specific drug to treat CFS. Drugs may be prescribed for depression, pain, low blood pressure, allergy-like symptoms, or other specific symptoms.
Other drugs are being studied and may prove to be helpful in treatment. Talk to your health care provider before taking herbal remedies or dietary supplements.

Strenuous exercise should be avoided. Some exercise, however, is important. Begin a gradual program that may be just 3 to 5 minutes a day to start with. Increase the activity by about 20% about every 2 to 3 weeks. Setbacks will occur, so don't be discouraged.
Get enough sleep at night. Limit daytime napping.
 

Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids, limit caffeine, and avoid alcohol.