Feeling tired all the time? What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Fatigue is feeling down with little energy.  The loss of the “get up and go,” is a common complaint.  The problem that doctors have is we don’t have a test for fatigue.

Fatigue is a symptom that a person expresses to us.  We can’t get a lab test for it.  We can’t image a portion of the body for it.  Doctors are scientists and we work with facts that are scientifically validated.  So we are at a loss sometimes when one complains of fatigue.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS for short) has been called many names in the past including “Myalgic Encephalomyelitis,” and “post-viral fatigue syndrome.” 

The newest data and updates on it support a few facts that we know about it including that it tends to occur after a viral illness, tends to last longer than 6 months, and includes symptoms such as: mild fever, recurrent sore throat, painful lymph nodes, muscle weakness and muscle pain.

The reason we call it a syndrome is because there is a number of symptoms that occur in CFS.  In addition to the above symptoms, one could have migrating joint pain or stiffness, recurrent headaches, sleep disturbances, and even neurological deficits like forgetfulness, and confusion.

CFS is debilitating and depressing because people who feel tired all the time will get depressed. 

When a physician evaluates you for CFS, they will check your blood pressure because most times low blood pressure is found.  Also a slight temperature or fast heart rate could be found.  

We would then check labs including ruling out Lyme disease, lymphoma, leukemia, HIV, and thyroid disorders.

Treating CFS is also a difficult thing to do for doctors.  Mostly rest, moderate activity, no exercise, and if any infectious etiology is found, then antibiotics can be used.  If the etiology is truly viral, there is no treatment. 

Vitamins and supplements have not been found to be effective, but Coenzyme Q 10, and vitamin
B 12 may lessen symptoms.

An herbalist may prescribe Astragalus Ten Formula which combines Asian ginseng, licorice, and astragalus in powder or tablet form.  However as all with many chronic illnesses, one has to accurately get a diagnosis to get adequate treatment.

Thanks for all the questions and comments.  Have a great day and let me know if you have any questions.

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