1 of 18

Write now Article Tools

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

You are tired and lack energy. This condition is usually referred to as fatigue. There are many causes of fatigue, which could result from your lifestyle, an infection, anemia or hypothyroidism. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) which is much more serious than just regular fatigue is believed to be caused by an infection. If your fatigue has lasted for at least six months, for no obvious reason, you probably have chronic fatigue syndrome. A chronic medical condition is one that is persistent or long standing.

Chronic fatigue syndrome usually occurs because of recurrence of an old dormant viral illness. The condition may be caused by a virus, but some patients find that certain foods aggravate the condition. It is possible that it is actually several diseases that overlap with their symptoms, and may be due to a combination of infection, immune deficiencies, autoimmune type condition (where the body rejects its own tissue), chronic inflammation, stress and psychiatric disturbances

The virus involved may be Epstein-Barr (EBV), or human herpes virus type 6 or probably other unidentified viruses. Many people who are diagnosed with CFS, however, have no evidence of EBV infection. Yet, a viral cause for CFS is still suspected because the symptoms of CFS often mimic a viral infection. The syndrome strikes more women than men, and causes a host of recurring and persistent symptoms over the space of 6 months to several years.

A deficiency of magnesium causes weakness, fatigue, sleepiness, personality changes poor appetite and soreness of muscles. So, compounding the problem with a deficiency causing much the same symptoms of the disease can only make matters worse.

The viral infection theory is not the only one however. Current research is exploring the possibility that people with CFS may have a dysfunction of the immune and central nervous systems. Scientists are also studying various metabolic abnormalities and risk factors (including genetic predisposition, age, sex, prior illness, environment, and stress) that may affect the development and course of the disease. Other theories suggest that one of the following factors may be to blame for CFS:
iron-poor blood (anemia)
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
environmental allergies
a body-wide yeast infection
psychiatric or neurological problems
endocrine dysfunction
hypotension (low blood pressure)

The chronic fatigue syndrome is a controversial diagnosis, but it may explain a persistent tiredness with numerous other symptoms that can vary from depression and irritability to arthritis and fevers.

* * * *

Learn more about this author, Audrey-Anastasia Alleyne.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Causes of chronic fatigue syndrome?
We want to hear your view. Write now!