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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment. Video
Chronic fatigue syndrome is more common these days than it seems – the faster the rhythm of life, the harder it is to keep up with it. Anyone can become a victim of this disease – a business woman, a student, or a housewife; even children often suffer from chronic fatigue. There are effective ways to combat this unpleasant condition, to reduce its manifestations and help to recover.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is often disguised as other diseases: it is easily confused with thyroid dysfunction, neurological and mental disorders, even cancer.
However, there are certain signs that together make it possible to diagnose chronic fatigue:
- progressive fatigue and decreased performance
- impairment of memory and attention
- inability to concentrate
- anxiety and irritability
Poor appetite and sleep disorders may also occur – nighttime insomnia is combined in this case with sleepiness during the day.
There are other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome – unreasonable headaches, low-grade fever, joint pain, not accompanied by swelling and inflammation of the painful area, as well as muscle pain and muscle weakness. Often there is pain or a sore throat, lymph nodes enlarge and hurt, which is why chronic fatigue can be easily confused with a viral disease.
Chronic fatigue does not go away after a short rest, attempts to cheer up with alcohol and coffee do not bring results, but rather aggravate the painful condition. At the same time, examinations and laboratory tests do not reveal the causes of the ailment.
The reasons for the development of chronic fatigue
Most of all, this disease affects people between the ages of 30 and 50, although it happens that both children and adolescents get sick. At the same time, women get sick more often than men.
The first signs often appear some time after a person has suffered a viral infection. There is an assumption that chronic fatigue syndrome is of an infectious nature and is caused by enterovirus or Epstein-Barr virus.
Prolonged stress is thought to be the main cause of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Stress can be caused by various situations, but in total, they drain the body, leading to overwork. Physical, mental and emotional stress build up, becoming an overwhelming burden for some people.
Doctors also note that this disease develops more often in those who lead a sedentary lifestyle and at the same time eat irrationally, experience information overload. Chronic fatigue syndrome is often associated with depression – it either precedes or accompanies depression.
It’s a pity to admit it, but there is no single effective drug that could cure chronic fatigue syndrome. However, it is possible to alleviate the patient’s condition with the help of medications that the doctor prescribes: these can be antidepressants, immunocorrectors, tranquilizers. It is difficult to cope with this disease without the help of a specialist, and an advanced form of the disease requires treatment in a hospital. Traditional medicine offers mainly symptomatic treatment, but treatment of chronic fatigue should be applied in a comprehensive manner.
First of all, it is necessary to normalize the rest regime, connect physical activity (this can be walking, preferably away from city streets, swimming, light sports activities or dancing)
To normalize the emotional state, autogenic training sessions under the supervision of a specialist or group psychotherapy are well suited.
One of the best treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome is massage – it helps to simultaneously relax and activate the body’s defenses. Doctors also recommend hydrotherapy and contrast showers. Alternative medicine practitioners can consult an acupuncture specialist.
It is necessary to correct the diet, the mandatory intake of B vitamins, as well as vitamin C. Alcohol and products containing caffeine will have to be excluded for a while.
Review your diet. Include more foods containing “slow” carbohydrates (cereals, whole grain breads, durum wheat pasta) and unsaturated fatty acids (fish, nuts, flaxseed oil)
Rest remains the main means of fighting the disease – the ability to relax is no less important than professional skills.
To avoid the question of how to treat the already existing chronic fatigue, you need to take timely measures to prevent it. If you have a tense, monotonous job (work in the field of the household is no less tiring than work in the office), you are subject to constant stress, rarely outdoors, cannot find time for hobbies or meetings with friends – overwork will not keep you waiting.
The main thing is to take measures to normalize sleep and build a daily routine.
The alternation of physical and mental stress will contribute to regular surges of energy. Avoid sleeping pills and caffeine – all this knocks down the natural rhythms of the body. It can be helpful to learn relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises to help you relax and resist stress.
New impressions, communication with friends, hobbies are very useful for recuperation. Even in the most busy schedule, try to find time to sit in a cafe with a friend or alone, to do what you love. It is better to minimize TV, the Internet, addictive computer games – they do not relax you, but overload you with information, often negative and almost always unnecessary.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment
Do not hesitate to see a doctor if the fatigue persists even after a good rest. Chronic fatigue syndrome develops very quickly and takes a long time to heal.
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