The Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS

The Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS. Chronic fatigue syndrome shares some symptoms with many other illnesses. Fatigue, can be found as a symptom in hundreds of other disorders. It is estimated that between 10% and 25% of patients complain of fatigue when visiting their Doctor. To arrive at a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the Doctor will need to examine all of the symptoms, as well as run tests to rule out any other causes before making a firm diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Primary Symptoms of
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

As the name Chronic Fatigue Syndrome would suggest, one of the main symptoms of CFS is fatigue. This is not the same type of fatigue a person would experience after a sleepless night, a busy day or week, or after a period of high stress. It is a fatigue which is severe, and it is incapacitating.  It is a fatigue that won't be improved by bed rest, and that can be made worse by mental or physical activity. It is a fatigue which that results in a dramatic decrease in a persons stamina and activity levels.

Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can only function at a substantialy lower activity level than they were able to, prior to becoming ill. This disorder will result in a large reduction in the persons ability to work, or schooling, as well as their personal, and social activities.

Chronic Fatigue Fast Facts

Support Groups For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Their Importance And How To Find Them
Like most things in life, we find great comfort in finding others who share similiar experiences, and can understand what we are going through. Having symptoms like chronic pain and fatigue can really wear you down and knowing that there are others, who really do understand what you are dealing with, can be wonderful. Although not everyone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) experiences exactly the same symptoms, just sharing with others who can relate to each other is worth the effort of...

A Chronic Fatigue Syndrome diagnosis will be considered in patients who have six months or more, of unexplained fatigue, which is accompanied with other characteristic symptoms.

These symptoms would include:

  • unrefreshing sleep
  • cognitive dysfunction, including impaired memory or concentration
  • sore throat
  • postexertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours (exhaustion and increased symptoms) following physical or mental exercise
  • headaches of a new type or severity
  • joint pain (without redness or swelling)
  • persistent muscle pain 
  • tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes

Other Common Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

In addition to the eight primary symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, there are many other symptoms which have been reported by some CFS patients. The occurrence and frequency of these symptoms will vary from patient to patient.

These symptoms include:

  • allergies or sensitivities to foods, alcohol, odors, chemicals, medications or noise
  • irritable bowel, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or bloating
  • chills and night sweats
  • jaw pain
  • brain fog
  • chest pain
  • weight loss or gain
  • shortness of breath
  • chronic cough
  • visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain or dry eyes)
  • difficulty maintaining upright position (orthostatic instability, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, balance problems or fainting)
  • psychological problems (depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks)

Medical professionals will need to consider if the symptoms are related to a comorbid or an exclusionary condition; these shouldn't be considered to be a part of CFS, other than that they may contribute to impaired functioning, for the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patient.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advances

07/17/2008
Chronic Fatigue Patients Benefit From Cognitive Behavior Therapy (Science Daily)
Cognitive behavior therapy is effective in treating the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, according to a recent systematic review carried out by Cochrane researchers.

Chronic Fatigue Patients Benefit From Cognitive Behavior Therapy (Science Daily)

07/21/2008
Complications (New York Times)
Most cases of anemia are mild, including those that occur as a result of chronic disease. Nevertheless, even mild anemia can reduce oxygen transport in the blood, causing fatigue and a diminished physical capacity. Moderate-to-severe iron-deficiency anemia is known to reduce endurance.

Complications (New York Times)

07/23/2008
Pfizer Profit More Than Doubles on Sales Outside U.S. (Update3) (Bloomberg.com)
July 23 (Bloomberg) -- Pfizer Inc. , the world's largest drugmaker, said second-quarter profit more than doubled as the company cut costs and boosted sales outside the U.S., where it benefited from favorable exchange rates.

Pfizer Profit More Than Doubles on Sales Outside U.S. (Update3) (Bloomberg.com)

07/23/2008
Adrenal Fatigue by Any Other Name (BellaOnline)
There are a number of medical articles out there, by the most reputable research groups that exist that clearly describe "adrenal fatigue". While they do not use the same term, they clearly describe this common stress related syndrome.

Adrenal Fatigue by Any Other Name (BellaOnline)

07/17/2008
Chronic Fatigue Patients Benefit From Cognitive Behavior Therapy (Science Daily)
Cognitive behavior therapy is effective in treating the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, according to a recent systematic review carried out by Cochrane researchers.

Chronic Fatigue Patients Benefit From Cognitive Behavior Therapy (Science Daily)

07/23/2008
Pfizer Profit More Than Doubles on Sales Outside U.S. (Update3) (Bloomberg.com)
July 23 (Bloomberg) -- Pfizer Inc. , the world's largest drugmaker, said second-quarter profit more than doubled as the company cut costs and boosted sales outside the U.S., where it benefited from favorable exchange rates.

Pfizer Profit More Than Doubles on Sales Outside U.S. (Update3) (Bloomberg.com)

07/23/2008
Pfizer Profit More Than Doubles on Sales Outside U.S. (Update3) (Bloomberg.com)
July 23 (Bloomberg) -- Pfizer Inc. , the world's largest drugmaker, said second-quarter profit more than doubled as the company cut costs and boosted sales outside the U.S., where it benefited from favorable exchange rates.

Pfizer Profit More Than Doubles on Sales Outside U.S. (Update3) (Bloomberg.com)

 

 

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