The causes of this syndrome are still unknown; in this regard, the experts have formulated various hypotheses, which however have not yet found sufficient scientific confirmation.
In addition to always feeling tired, patients with chronic fatigue syndrome experience other ailments, similar to the symptoms of a "flu."
Unfortunately, there is still no specific cure.
What does myalgic encephalomyelitis mean?
Encephalomyelitis means inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The term myalgic, on the other hand, derives from myalgia and means muscle pain.
Epidemiology: How Common is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
According to some sources, in Italy, people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome are between 200,000 and 300,000.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis can affect anyone, however it is more frequent in people between the ages of 40 and 50, and it prefers female sex (60-85% of cases are women).
Affected children are usually between 13 and 15 years old.
Risk Factors for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Age between 40 and 50 years;
- Female sex;
- Tendency to stress.
The chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by a sense of persistent fatigue (it is the main symptom), flanked by a series of secondary disorders, always of a chronic nature, which in some respects resemble a "flu.
These pathological expressions can be summarized in eight points, namely:
- Deficits in memory and concentration;
- Muscle pain (myalgia) for no reason
- Frequent / recurrent sore throat;
- Swollen lymph nodes, both on the neck and in the armpits;
- Very intense headaches;
- Joint pain (arthralgia)
- Unrefreshing sleep;
- Intense and prolonged fatigue, even after more than 24 hours have passed since the last physical or mental effort.
Characteristics of Fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome patients describe the sense of fatigue as a feeling of exhaustion, exhaustion. Furthermore, this feeling:
- it does not seem relieved in any way, not even with proper rest;
- it tends to worsen drastically after "intense physical or mental activity (usually, in these situations, the consequences are paid one or two days later).
When to contact the doctor?
Due to the characteristics of the symptoms, chronic fatigue syndrome could recall much more serious (and potentially even more dangerous) morbid conditions, such as:
- Lyme disease;
- Some sleep disturbances
- Major depression;
- Alcohol addiction;
- Diabetes;
- The "hypothyroidism;
- Mononucleosis;
- Multiple sclerosis;
- Systemic lupus erythematosus;
- Chronic hepatitis.
In light of this, if the sense of fatigue is prolonged and if, above all, it does not seem to resolve even after a period of absolute rest, it is advisable to contact your doctor immediately.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Complications
When tiredness and the sense of fatigue become excessive, the patient feels completely lacking in strength: he cannot carry out the simplest tasks, finds it difficult to move, finds it difficult to get out of bed and, even, it is impossible for him to leave his home .
All of this could isolate him from the social context, lead him to depression or cause him to chronically abstain from the workplace.
In this case, laboratory tests on the patient's blood are of fundamental importance;
Diagnosis criteria
According to the US CDC, persistent fatigue can be linked to chronic fatigue syndrome (in an adult) if:
- It has been in existence for at least 6 months, is not directly consequent to intense physical exercise and is not linked to any particular morbid state;
- Significantly reduces any type of activity carried out by a person;
- It is associated with at least 4 of the 8 points listed in the chapter dedicated to symptoms.
N.B: in patients of young age, it is sufficient that the sense of fatigue has been in place for 3 months.
is to teach the patient to understand the disease he is suffering from and to recognize the symptoms, so that he can somehow master them.Generally, the implementation of this therapy is reserved for mental illnesses, but doctors have noted that it is also effective against chronic fatigue syndrome; treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy, in fact, some patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis have been shown to be able to "accepting" one's situation and knowing how to "react" well to the symptoms, without letting oneself be influenced by them.
However, we must remind readers that there have also been cases in which the symptomatology, rather than improving, has worsened.
Gradual Exercise Therapy
Gradual Exercise Therapy (in English Graded Exercise Therapy, GET) consists in making the patient practice physical activity at increasing intensity and duration. This means that initially the exercise will be short and not very intense; then, as the weeks go by, it will gradually become longer and more vigorous.
It is important that duration and intensity increase in small doses; if this were not the case, the therapeutic approach based on gradual exercise could have completely adverse effects.
The activities most recommended by therapists are: swimming, walking and jogging.
Antidepressant drugs
Suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome could lead to social isolation and depression. If this occurs, your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medications, such as amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant).
Attention: the treatment based exclusively on the use of antidepressant drugs is not very effective and not recommended. It is necessary, especially in case of depression, to rely on an expert psychotherapist.
N.B: amitriptyline is contraindicated in case of heart problems.
Pain Relief Drugs
Patients with severe muscle and joint pain can take pain medication, but only by prescription.
For further information: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Medicines and Treatment »your own feelings.Furthermore, it is very useful to alternate a few days of exercise with a few days of rest, diligently respecting this alternation, without ever exceeding, even in moments when the sense of fatigue seems to have faded.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Natural Remedies and Solutions
For patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, doctors usually recommend:
- Avoid particularly stressful situations;
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and coffee;
- Don't overdo it with sugars and artificial sweeteners;
- Avoid any food or drink to which there is intolerance;
- Eat lightly, but several times throughout the day;
- Take time out during the day to relax;
- Always go to bed at the same time and, if possible, avoid taking long naps during the day.
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