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CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME:SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

It is more common among women than men, or at least more women report it. Often there is no real starting point or cause. Sometimes it follows a viral infection or a period of great stress. At other times it just comes on gradually. You may feel like you have the flu. The symptoms may come and go with no discernable pattern. You are so tired you can't put one foot in front of the other. You fall asleep at the drop of an eye lid. No amount of rest helps. It can be short term or it can last for years. It can affect every aspect of your life. It can turn your world upside-down. What is it? Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Symptoms and Causes

As yet, no one knows what causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is a mystery wrapped in an almost inexhaustible list of possible symptoms. For a person to meet the criteria for diagnosis, he/she must experience unexplained persistent fatigue for at least six months and suffer with four, or more, of the eight symptoms listed below.

Loss of memory or concentration

Sore throat

Painful and mildly enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits

Unexplained muscle soreness

Pain that moves from one joint to another without swelling or redness

Headache of a new type, pattern or severity

Sleep disturbance

Extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise

CFS patients often report a multitude of other symptoms which are not pertinent to diagnosis. For example:

Unexplained weight loss or gain

Chronic cough

Jaw pain

Chills and night sweats

Irregular heartbeat

Depression

Panic attacks

Sensitivity to light and sound

Tingling sensations

Diarrhea

Shortness of breath

Earache

Treatments and Medications

Just as there is no known cause of CFS, there is no specific treatment. Your doctor will prescribe medications and therapies aimed at relieving the symptoms you are experiencing. These may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Physical Therapy

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Medication for pain management

Some have found help in dealing with the symptoms of CFS through acupuncture, yoga, aroma therapy, massage therapy, prayer and meditation.

CFS and Men

Often, men displaying the symptoms of CFS are reluctant to seek medical help. They don't want to admit that they can no longer live up to the 'manly image' that society has imposed upon them. Perhaps they judge themselves by their ability to provide for their families as well as fulfill other responsibilities unique to males. They don't want to 'let down' those depending upon them. Whatever the reasons, their failure to admit they have a problem and see their doctor can lead to further health complications.

In an attempt to live up to his own expectations, and the expectations of society, a man may push himself to perform in his usual manner regardless of the debilitating symptoms of CFS. Such behavior will only worsen his condition. Best advice, seek medical help early. This doesn't mean you are weak, it just means that you are smart. Everyone needs a little help sometimes. This is one problem you should not attempt to handle on your own.

Learn more about this author, Jonnie Chastain.
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