Chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS is a complicated disorder that is characterized by extreme fatigue that tends to last for at least six months.
It cannot be fully explained by an underlying medical condition.
Moreover, this fatigue tends to worsen with physical or mental activity, however, does not improve with rest.
Some other characteristics are sleep that is not refreshing, difficulties with memory, focus, and concentration, and dizziness that worsens with moving from lying down or sitting to standing.
It is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, ME.
In some cases, doctors may also abbreviate it as ME/CFS.
The most recent term is systemic exertional intolerance disease, SEID.
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown.
Though there is a number of theories ranging from viral infections to psychological stress causing it.
Some experts are of the view that chronic fatigue syndrome may occur due to a combination of factors.
There is no single test to confirm the diagnosis.
You may need several medical tests to rule out other health conditions that have similar symptoms.
While treatment aims to improve your symptoms.
Keep on reading.
Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The cause of CFS is unknown.
However, researchers speculate that contributing factors may include:
It is also possible that some people are genetically predisposed to develop chronic fatigue syndrome.
Thus, CFS in some cases develops after a viral infection. No single type of infection has been found to cause CFS.
Some viral infections that may have relation to CFS are:
- Epstein-Barr Virus, EBV
- human herpesvirus 6
- Ross River Virus, RRV
- rubella virus
Moreover, infections that occur due to bacteria like Coxiella burnetii, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae are also have relation to CFS.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC also suggests that CFS may be the end-stage of multiple different conditions, rather than one specific condition.
In fact, about 1 in 10 people with EBV, Ross River virus, or Coxiella burnetii infection with developing this condition that meets the criteria for a CFS diagnosis.
Additionally, researchers are of the view that those who have severe symptoms with any of these three infections are at a higher risk for later developing CFS.
Furthermore, people with CFS have weak immune systems.
However, doctors do not know whether this is enough to cause the disorder.
If you are among people with CFS, you may also have abnormal hormone levels in some cases.
Doctors have not yet concluded whether this is significant or not.
Risk Factors for CFS
It is important to note that CFS is common among people in their 40s and 50s.
Moreover, sex also plays an important role in CFS.
Women are two to four times more likely to have a diagnosis with CFS than men.
While some other factors that can increase your risk of developing CFS are:
- genetic predisposition
- allergies
- stress
- environmental factors
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome depend on the individual and the severity of the condition.
The most common symptom is fatigue which is severe enough to interfere with your daily activities.
Moreover, to diagnose CFS, there must be a significant reduction in your ability to perform the usual daily activities with fatigue that lasts for at least 6 months.
It must not be curable with bed rest as well.
Furthermore, you will also experience extreme fatigue after physical or mental activities which are referred to as post-exertional malaise, PEM.
This can last for more than 24 hours after the activity.
It is important to note that CFS can also introduce sleep problems like feeling refreshed after a night’s sleep, chronic insomnia, and other sleep disorders.
Additionally, you may also experience:
- loss of memory
- reduction in concentration
- orthostatic intolerance to going from lying o seated to standing positions makes you lightheaded, dizzy, or faint
However, physical symptoms of CFS are muscle pain, frequent headaches, multi-joint pain without redness or swelling, frequent sore throat, and tender and swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits.
CFS tends to affect some people in cycles with periods of feeling worse and then better.
Symptoms can, in some cases, even disappear completely which is referred to as remission.
However, it is also possible for the symptoms to return later, which is relapse.
This cycle of remission and relapse can often make it difficult for you to manage your symptoms, however, it is possible.
Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a challenging condition to diagnose.
According to the Institute of Medicine, as of 2015, CFS occurs in about 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans.
However, it is estimated that 84 to 91% have yet to receive a diagnosis.
Moreover, there are no medical tests that can help screen for CFS.
Its symptoms are just like a number of other conditions.
Thus, many people with CFS do not look too sick so doctors may not be able to diagnose or recognize that they may have a health condition.
Ruling out the potential causes of your fatigue is a key part of the diagnosis process.
While some conditions with symptoms that resemble those with CFS are mononucleosis, Lyme Disease, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia.
Moreover, major depressive disorder, severe obesity, sleep disorders, Lupus, SLS, and hypothyroidism, also have symptoms like CFS.
The side effects of certain drugs like antihistamines and alcohol can also mimic the symptoms of CFS.
Bacease of the similarities between CFS and a number of other conditions, it is important not to self-diagnose.
Talk to your doctor or seek medical advice about your symptoms. They can work with you to get relief.
Treatment Options
There is currently no specific cure for CFS.
Each person has different symptoms and will therefore need different types of treatment to manage the disorder and relieve their symptoms.
Make sure to work with the help of healthcare providers to create the best treatment plan for you.
Moreover, they can go over the possible benefits and side effects of therapies with you.
Addressing Post-Exertional Malaise, PEM Symptoms
PEM occurs when even a minor physical, mental, or emotional exertion results in CFS symptoms that become worse.
Worsening symptoms often occur 12 to 48 hours after the activity and last for days or even weeks.
Moreover, with the help of activity management or pacing, it can help balance rest and activity to avoid PEM flare-ups.
You will have to find your individual limits for mental and physical activities, plan them, and then rest to stay within these limits.
Some doctors may also refer to staying within these limits as the ‘energy envolope’.
Furthermore, keeping a diary of your activities can help to find your personal limits.
It is also important to note that while vigorous aerobic exercises are good for chronic conditions if you have CFS, you will be unable to tolerate such exercise routines.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes
With the help of certain lifestyle changes, you can help reduce your symptoms.
Limiting or eliminating caffeine intake can help you to sleep better and ease your insomnia.
Moreover, you should limit or avoid nicotine and alcohol as well.
Try to avoid napping during the day if it is hurting your ability to sleep at night.
Create a sleep routine. Go to bed at the same time every night and aim to wake up around the same time every day.
Medications for CFS
Typically, no medication can help to treat all the symptoms of CFS.
Also, your symptoms can change over time, so your medications may have to as well.
In a number of cases, CFS can trigger or be a symptom of depression.
Thus, you may need a low dose of anti-depressant therapy or a referral to a mental health provider.
In case lifestyle changes do not give you a restful night’s sleep, your doctor may suggest a sleep aim.
Moreover, pain-reducing medications can also help you to cope with aches and joint pain that occur due to CFS.
In case you need medication therapy, your doctor will have to tailor it for your needs.
Work closely with your doctor.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for CFS.
Alternative Medicine
Acupuncture, tia chi, yoga, and massage may help to relieve the pain associated with CFS.
However, always talk to your doctor before beginning any alternative or complementary treatments.
Long-Term Expectation
Despite the increase in research efforts, CFS remains a complex condition with no exact known cause and cure.
The recovery rate is only 5% and managing CFS can therefore be challenging.
You will most likely need to make lifestyle changes to adapt to chronic fatigue. As a result, you may also experience depression, anxiety, or social isolation. You may also find that joining a support group can also be helpful as you are making decisions and transitions.
Moreover, CFS progresses ifferently in everyone, so it is important to work with your doctor to create a treatment plan that meets your needs.
You can benefit from working with a team of healthcare providers which includes doctors, therapists, and rehabilitation specialists.
You can also refer to CDC for recommendations for managing and living with CFS.
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Thus, CFS in some cases develops after a viral infection. No single type of infection has been found to cause CFS.
Women are two to four times more likely to have a diagnosis with CFS than men.
It is important to note that CFS can also introduce sleep problems like feeling refreshed after a night’s sleep, chronic 
In case you need medication therapy, your doctor will have to tailor it for your needs.