by Audrey-Anastasia Alleyne

Created on: August 23, 2008   Last Updated: February 25, 2012

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS) is characterized by a persistent or intermittent tiredness and debilitating fatigue. It can be severe enough to reduce or impair average daily activity below 50% of normal activity for a period of more than six months and may extend to several years. This fatigue may exist for no obvious reason.

The symptoms of CFS are vague, and may vary widely from person to person. Symptoms include mild fever that's greater than 38.6 degrees Celsius (about 100 degrees Fahrenheit), sore throat, painful swollen lymph glands in the neck or under the arm, general body weakness, soreness of the muscles, fatigue lasting more than a day after little exertion, and headaches.

A host of other symptoms include migrating joint pain, without redness or swelling of the joints, emotional disturbances such as forgetfulness, depression, irritability, confusion, difficulty concentrating, light-sensitive eyes, and sleep disturbance(insomnia or excessive sleeping.)

In addition, any of the above-mentioned symptoms associated with the fatigue must have occurred for at least six or more months without stop. Also, continuous fatigue should have been the first noticeable symptom of illness. Other symptoms of CFS may include mild fever, blurry vision, chills, night sweats, diarrhea, and fluctuations in appetite and weight. The development of such symptoms should prompt a careful physical and laboratory evaluation by your personal physician.

Many people with CFS report symptoms ranging from a constant cough to feelings of depression. The symptoms can come and go, or they may stay a while. Initially, you may believe you have the flu, in addition to tiredness and weakness. If these conditions persist, it is wise to check with your doctor.

There are no specific diagnosis tests, but numerous blood tests may show abnormalities. Tests, however, are always preferred to exclude any other possible cause. Doctors first must ensure a person's fatigue and other symptoms are not caused by another illness, a sleep disorder, or hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism. CFS is hard to diagnose because a single diagnostic test does not exist and there is no identifiable cause of the illness. Symptoms of CFS often mimic other disorders such as viral infections, kidney disease, cardiac disease ,depression, and neurological illnesses.
More women than men are usually diagnosed with this illness.

Before declaring the syndrome to be chronic fatigue, all other possible causes must be examined. If after evaluation, your doctor deems you to have chronic fatigue, he will make certain recommendations with regard to medication and diet.
 

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