Nancy Panagulopoulou – neurons.gr

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been characterized as invisible, both because of its non-obvious symptoms and misdiagnoses that attribute the symptoms of this syndrome to other diseases. This is why it is estimated that a large number of patients are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyalgia (ME) or systemic fatigue and impatience disease (SEID), is a chronic condition with physical and psychological consequences for the patient.

This disease has a complicated past as it appears to have existed as far back as the 19th century but has been associated with the generic term/disease “neurasthenia”. It began to be diagnosed as an independent disease under various names in the 20th century, when the World Health Organization officially recognized Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 1969, but research into its symptoms, diagnosis, and causes continues to this day.

Causes of illness can be psychological (for example, as a reaction after a long stressful event) or even physical, since chronic fatigue syndrome can be a complication of an infection such as rubella, Epstein-Barr virus, Ross River virus, or human herpes virus. without being strictly limited to these viruses only. Of course, the causes of this syndrome can be hereditary or even hormonal.

It is noteworthy that this syndrome mainly affects women 40-50 years old, although it also occurs in men. It can also manifest itself in the first years of adolescence, i.e. at 13-15 years old. In general, however, it can occur at any age and gender.

It is estimated that about 1% of the world’s population suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome.

There is no specific test to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome, so diagnosis is likely to be quite a difficult process. The condition is called a “syndrome” precisely because of the involvement of many systems in its manifestation. This is what makes the symptomatology of the disease so complex and ultimately so difficult to diagnose. That is why differential diagnosis is important, in which other diseases with similar symptoms will be excluded, such as:

• Hypothyroidism
• Sleep disorders
• fibromyalgia
• major depressive disorder
• severe obesity
• Lyme disease
• Wolf
• Multiple sclerosis
• infectious mononucleosis, etc.

At the same time, however, one should not exclude the case of comorbidity, i.e., the simultaneous presence of another disease in a patient when he is already fighting. In particular, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 10 patients with Epstein-Barr virus, Ross River virus, or Coxiella burnetii (the bacterium that causes Q fever) may develop a condition called chronic fatigue syndrome.

Side effects of medications such as antihistamines and alcohol show similar symptoms, so chronic fatigue syndrome is diagnosed after having several symptoms for 6 months. The main and defining symptom of the condition is a feeling of generalized and persistent fatigue that does not go away even after a long rest. Some more symptoms:

• Decreased ability to concentrate
• Muscle pain
• Muscle tension that is not relieved
• Headaches and migraines
• Dry throat
• Enlarged lymph nodes mainly in the neck and armpits.
• disturbed sleep

Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome is reduced to getting rid of the patient’s symptoms. Therefore, psychotherapy, exercise supervised by a medical professional such as a physiotherapist, and a balanced diet are recommended to treat mental symptoms. Regarding the latter, the consumption of healthy foods rich in vitamins and trace elements and regular hydration are recommended, while the consumption of small and frequent meals is also generally recommended, as well as careful consumption of caffeine to maintain stable energy levels. Under the guidance of a specialist, nutritional supplements or a specific diet may be prescribed. Mild antidepressants may also be prescribed.

To manage the symptoms in the body, although lifestyle changes are also recommended, other medications or drugs that manage the pain may also be prescribed.

However, since there is no specific treatment for this condition, the treatment of each patient with chronic fatigue syndrome is individual and addressed specifically to each patient after consultation with a specialist.

Source: neuronas.gr