Chronic fatigue syndrome: what is it?
The myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome is a mysterious disease: it is not clear what the cause or what would be cured. Considered a neurological disease, it often appears so acute, causing a rapid and substantial deterioration of health.
Fatigue of myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME / CFS) is distinguished from other types of fatigue. One in five people who consult a doctor says a great life fatigue. However, the chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized not only by chronic fatigue, but by a combination of debilitating symptoms, including muscle and joint pain, weakness and malaise significantly reducing the professional and personal activities. All these symptoms occur without the physician may be linked to any disease. Sometimes, an event trigger is found: a viral infection, immunization, anesthesia, physical trauma, exposure to environmental pollutants, etc..
Contrary to what is still thought a few years ago, all ages (even children), and all ethnicities may be affected by this disease and not just people of Caucasian origin. However, women are 2 to 4 times more affected than men.
Although there are references to chronic fatigue syndrome until the 1750s, it was not until 1988 that he was formally recognized as a disease. More than 1 000 names have already described this state (some are still commonly used), including neurasthenia, postviral syndrome or syndrome yuppies (for “Young Urban Professionals”, mainly because it strikes early thirties).
Causes
Most people with chronic fatigue syndrome led a healthy and active life before being hit by the disease.
The hypothesis of a viral cause is more and more certain, because we can often identify an infection as a trigger. There is convincing evidence of an immune system dysfunction in the cells responsible for fighting the infection1. Research has shown weakness naturelles2 killer cells and biochemical dysfunction of cells responsible for absorbing and removing foreign bodies in the circulating sang3.
Evolution
The chronic fatigue syndrome evolves very variable. Its most acute usually last 2 years and can return cyclically. Symptoms tend to decrease with time. Few patients recover completely, but gradually, the majority finds much of its capacity. A small number may become disabled or suffer from depression.
Diagnosis
Often the person suffering from extreme fatigue and chronic must undergo numerous medical tests. This is due to the fact that many diseases result in significant reduction of energy. These include, for example, fibromyalgia, hypotension, chronic infectious mononucleosis, hypothyroidism and the syndrome of irritable bowel.
It should not be confused with depression. Unlike the depressed person who finds pleasure in nothing, “chronic fatigue” appreciates the joys of life, but quickly exhausted, leading to frustration and a sense of imprisonment.
According to the Canadian Consensus on diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome requires that symptoms of chronic fatigue, fatigue after exercise, sleep disturbances and significant pain are present. The patient must also have at least 2 neurological or cognitive symptoms, and at least one symptom type endocrine, immune and autonomic nervous system (see Symptoms section). In children, symptoms may vary greatly from one day to another, but are as important as adults. Among them, the diagnosis can be made if the characteristic symptoms last for more than 3 months
Tags: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome causes, What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
