Latest Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The definition of chronic fatigue syndrome is comprised of symptoms such as constant fatigue, exhaustion long after exercising, poor short-term memory and concentration, joint pain without redness or swelling, muscle aches, headaches, a sore throat and the inability to feel refreshed after a full night of sleep. While the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome largely remain a mystery, doctors have been able to make a diagnosis by ruling out other illnesses and checking off at least four items from the list of chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms that have persisted for six months or more.
The CDC has several theories on the causes of CFS. One is that acute or chronic infections like Epstein-Barr or herpes virus 6 can leave residual effects in the body like fatigue and aches. A four-city surveillance study could not trace CFS back to one particular human pathogen, although it's believed that infectious agents might play a part in causing chronic fatigue. New research suggests that patients infected with Epstein-Barr virus, Ross River virus and Coxiella burnetti will develop a post-infective condition that matches the chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms in 12% of cases.
CDC research also points to trouble in the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis in the brain as one of the potential causes of chronic fatigue syndrome. Physical or emotional stress activates the HPA axis that increases the release of the stress hormone cortisol, dopamine and seratonin, which has a host of effects on the immune system. Doctors who treat patients for fibromyalgia say the same sort of hormonal abnormalities play a part in the mysterious condition they treat too. While cortisol itself is not directly responsible for CFS, researchers are still looking at correlations between brain chemicals and tiredness syndrome symptoms.
Even though the exact causes of chronic fatigue syndrome have not been pinpointed, some patients find they can treat their symptoms through lifestyle modification and medication. Health articles recommend slowing down and avoiding excessive physical or emotional stress. Starting up an exercise program and changing one's sleeping habits are also strongly urged. Some patients saw benefits from attending cognitive behavior therapy or depression counseling. Medications may include antidepressants (Norpramin, Aventyl, Pamelor, Amitid, Amitril, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft), pain medication (Tyleonol, NSAIDs, Advil, Motrin), allergy meds (Allegra, Zyrtec, Sudafed), blood pressure medication (Florinef, Tenormin) or anti-anxiety medication (Klonopin, Ativa, Xanax).
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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.
Chronic Fatigue Symptom
Just recently, researchers uncovered a culprit for CFS, which is the XMRV chronic fatigue retrovirus. While studies are promising, scientists are still looking into the way a retrovirus may be causing the main chronic fatigue symptom of constant exhaustion. Even so, many patients finally feel vindicated that the world is looking at them as though they have a real, serious condition.
Where To Learn About Fatigue Syndrome
There are many fatigue syndrome groups on Facebook: www.facebook.com/group.