The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are usually mistaken for other illnesses. In this guide, we would discuss the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). You might want to know what the symptoms are so that when you notice them you would be able to act swiftly.
What is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months and that can’t be fully explained by an underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsewith physical or mental activity but doesn’t improve with rest.
Other characteristic symptoms include:
- Sleep that isn’t refreshing
- Difficulties with memory, focus, and concentration
- Dizziness that worsewith moving from lying down or sitting to standing
This condition is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Sometimes it’s abbreviated as ME/CFS. The most recent term proposed is systemic exertional intolerance disease (SEID).
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, although there are many theories — ranging from viral infectioto psychological stress. Some experts believe chronic fatigue syndrome might be triggered by a combination of factors.
What causes CFS?
The cause of CFS is unknown. Researchers speculate that contributing factors may include:
- viruses
- a weakened immune system
- stress
- hormonal imbalances
It’s also possible that some people are genetically predisposed to develop CFS.
Though CFS can sometimes develop after a viral infection, no single type of infection has been found to cause CFS. Some viral infectiothat have been studied in relation to CFS include those caused by:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- human herpesvirus 6
- Ross River virus (RRV)
- rubella virus
Infectiocaused by bacteria, including Coxiella burnetii and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, have also been studied in relation to CFS.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source has suggested 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 will develop a condition that meets the criteria for a CFS diagnosis.
Additionally, researchers say that those who’ve had severe symptoms with any of these three infectioare at a higher risk for later developing CFS.
People with CFS sometimes have weakened immune systems, but doctors don’t know whether this is enough to cause the disorder.
People with CFS can also sometimes have abnormal hormone levels. Doctors haven’t yet concluded whether this is significant, either.
Symptoms
Many of the possible symptoms resemble those of other conditions, making CFS hard to diagnose.
Core symptoms
The symptoms of ME/CFS can vary among individuals, but there are three core symptoms:
Reduced ability to do activities that were previously possible
A person with ME/CFS will experience fatigue that interferes with their ability to carry out daily tasks.
The fatigue:
- is severe
- does not improve with rest
- is not due to activity
- was not previously present
For a diagnosis of CFS, this fatigue and the resulting decrease in activity levels must last 6 months or longer.
Post-exertional malaise
A person with post-exertional malaise (PEM) will experience a “crash” after physical or mental exertion.
During times of PEM, they may have new or worsening symptoms that include:
difficulty thinking
- difficulty sleeping
- a sore throat
- headaches
- dizziness
- tiredness
Following an event that triggers PEM, the person may be unable to leave the house, get out of bed, or do regular chores for several days or even weeks. The symptoms tend to become worse 12–48 hours after the exertion.
The trigger will depend on the individual. For some people, even having a shower or going to the grocery store can trigger PEM.
Sleep disorders
A range of sleep disorders can occur. The person may feel very sleepy but be unable to sleep or not feel refreshed after sleeping. They may experience:
- intense and vivid dreaming
- restless legs
- nighttime muscle spasms
- sleep apnea
Other key symptoms
As well as the three core symptoms above, one of the following two symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of CFS, according to the CDC.
Problems with thinking and memory
The person may find the following challenging:
- making decisions
- focusing on details
- thinking quickly
- remembering things
People sometimes refer to these symptoms as “brain fog.”
Dizziness when standing up
When the person moves from lying on their back to sitting or standing, they may experience:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- faintness
- vision changes, such as blurred vision or seeing spots
Other possible symptoms
Pain is a common symptom. A person with ME/CFS will often experience pain or discomfort that does not stem from an injury or other identifiable cause.
Common types of pain include:
- muscle aches and pains
- joint pain without redness or swelling
- headaches
The person may also experience:
- tenderness in the lymph nodes, especially the neck or armpits
- gastrointestinal problems
- chills and night sweats
- allergies to food
- sensitive to light, touch, heat, or cold
- muscle weakness
- shortness of breath
- irregular heartbeat
- irritability and mood changes
- anxiety or panic attacks
- numbness, tingling and burning in the hands, feet, and face
- eye pain
- a low-grade fever
- vision problems
In addition, the American Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society (AMMES) note that other possible symptoms include:
- muscle twitching
- rashes
- canker sores
- depression
- high-stress levels
- saying words incorrectly
- tinnitus
- extreme symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- lack of sex drive or sexual impotence
- hair loss
- unexplained weight changes
- chest pain
- seizures
- paralysis
- spatial disorientation
- difficulty walking
- difficulty moving the tongue to form words
Risk factors for CFS
CFS is most commonly seen among people in their 40s and 50s.
Sex also plays an important role in CFS, as women are two to four times more likely to be diagnosed with CFS than men.
Other factors that may increase your risk for CFS include:
- genetic predisposition
- allergies
- stress
- environmental factors
How is CFS diagnosed?
CFS is a very challenging condition to diagnose.
According to the Institute of Medicine, as of 2015, CFS occurs in about 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans. It’s estimated, however, that 84 to 91 percent have yet to receive a diagnosis.
There are no medical tests to screen for CFS. Its symptoms are similar to many other conditions. Many people with CFS don’t “look sick,” so doctors may not recognize that they indeed have a health condition.
In order to receive a CFS diagnosis, your doctor will rule out other potential causes and review your medical history with you.
They’ll confirm that you at least have the core symptoms previously mentioned. They’ll also ask about the duration and severity of your unexplained fatigue.
Ruling out other potential causes of your fatigue is a key part of the diagnosis process. Some conditiowith symptoms that resemble those of CFS include:
- mononucleosis
- Lyme disease
- multiple sclerosis
- lupus (SLE)
- hypothyroidism
- fibromyalgia
- major depressive disorder
- severe obesity
- sleep disorders
The side effects of certain drugs, such as antihistamines and alcohol, can mimic symptoms of CFS as well.
Because of the similarities between symptoms of CFS and many other conditions, it’s important to not self-diagnose. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They can work with you to get relief.
How is CFS treated?
There’s currently no specific cure for CFS.
Each person has different symptoms and therefore may require different types of treatment to manage the disorder and relieve their symptoms.
Work with your team of healthcare providers to create the best treatment plan for you. They can go over the possible benefits and side effects of the therapies with you.
Addressing post-exertional malaise (PEM) symptoms
PEM occurs when even minor physical, mental, or emotional exertion results in CFS symptoms becoming worse.
Worsening symptoms usually occur 12 to 48 hours after the activity and last for days or even weeks.
Activity management, also called pacing, can help balance rest and activity to avoid PEM flare-ups. You’ll need to find your individual limits for mental and physical activities, plan these activities, and then rest to stay within these limits.
Some doctors refer to staying within these limits as the “energy envelope.” Keeping a diary of your activities may help you find your personal limits.
It’s important to note that while vigorous aerobic exercise is good for most chronic conditions, people with CFS don’t tolerate such exercise routines.
Home remedies and lifestyle changes
Making some lifestyle changes may help reduce your symptoms.
Limiting or eliminating your caffeine intake can help you sleep better and ease your insomnia. You should limit or avoid nicotine and alcohol too.
Try to avoid napping during the day if it’s 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
Typically, no one medication can treat all of your symptoms. Also, your symptoms may change over time, so your medicatiomay have to as well.
In many cases, CFS can trigger or be a symptom of depression. You may need low-dose antidepressant therapy or a referral to a mental health provider.
If lifestyle changes don’t give you a restful night’s sleep, your doctor may suggest a sleep aid. Pain-reducing medication can also help you cope with aches and joint pain caused by CFS.
If medication therapy is needed, it will have to be tailored to your needs. Work closely with your doctor. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for CFS.
Alternative medicine
Acupuncture, tai chi, yoga, and massage may help relieve the pain associated with CFS. Always talk to your doctor before beginning any alternative or complementary treatments.
To conclude, CFS is an illness that can be managed. It is also imperative that you know the symptoms to look out for so that you can swiftly seek help when you notice the symptoms.