What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ?

Many Americans are wondering what is chronic fatigue syndrome, and how does it differ from normal tiredness or exhaustion" Many of us feel rundown from our work, for example. No matter how many cups of coffee we have or how much sleep we get, we still feel tired! However, this is usually not the same as chronic fatigue. CFS often comes on for no apparent rhyme or reason. There are no obvious stressors, although many patients may develop the fatigue following another illness. The chronic fatigue syndrome definition is confusing because many of the symptoms come with other ailments. It is estimated that as many as 4 million Americans have CFS but have not sought medical treatment.

A good place to start your search to learn about chronic fatigue syndrome is the comprehensive site run by eMedicine Health (www.emedicinehealth.com/chronic_fatigue_syndrome/article_em.htm). In the chronic fatigue overview, you will learn that the signs and symptoms of CFS include 4 or more of the following: problems with short-term memory or concentration, tender lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle pain, joint pain without redness or swelling, headaches, tiredness even after sleep and extreme exhaustion lasting for over 24 hours following physical or mental exertion. These symptoms last more than six months. You will also learn that chronic fatigue affects "tend of thousands of people," mostly young to middle aged women.

Learning "what is chronic fatigue syndrome" will help you decide whether or not you may meet the chronic fatigue syndrome medical definition. Next you may be wondering about various treatment options. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for CFS, only suggested treatments to relieve some of the medical symptoms like mental fatigue and body pain. Knowing some of the possible treatment options before you see your doctor will help you have an honest discussion about your pursuit of wellness. Most doctors start with treating the sleep disorder and then prescribing medications for pain. Yet, individuals must also play an important role in their recovery through lifestyle changes.

Now that you've learned about what is chronic fatigue syndrome, received the diagnosis and read up on treatments, you may be feeling suddenly alone and saddened. Your friends and family likely don't understand why you can't attend a birthday party, why you quit your job or why you're having a hard time cleaning the house and making dinner for your family. Many patients with tiredness syndrome have sought support groups to connect with others who are going through the same experience. You can receive answers to some of your questions from people who have been coping with the syndrome for years. Sometimes it's incredibly therapeutic just to know you are not alone.

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Where To Learn About Fatigue Syndrome
There are many fatigue syndrome groups on Facebook: www.facebook.com/group.

Chronic Fatigue And Fibromyalgia
Severe fibromyalgia and CF sufferers say that fatigue is the most debilitating part of their condition because they feel hyper-sensitive to pain and never fully alert, which can affect all of their day-to-day activities. Therefore, CF and fibromyalgia treatments usually begin with sleep management, says Mary Rose, a clinical psychologist and behavioral sleep specialist at Houston's Baylor College of Medicine. "We know from research that sleep improves mood, pain, and in general how people feel during the day," she explains.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatments
Since the root cause is so mysterious, many CFS treatments are pharmaceutical in nature so the symptoms can be treated. Sleep aids, muscle relaxants and stimulants are given to help with sleep disorders and fatigue. Antidepressants can help with depression, sleep difficulty and pain.