What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is one of the most misunderstood illnesses. Unfortunately, the symptoms are often dismissed or overlooked. This can cause a person suffering from symptoms to withdraw from activities. The fatigue that is experienced from this condition is enough to decrease a person’s activity levels by as much as 50 percent.
Between one and eight out of every 1,000 Americans above the age of 18 have chronic fatigue syndrome. Functional Medicine is an ideal treatment path for chronic fatigue syndrome because this illness affects multiple body systems. Here’s a look at common chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms:
- Extreme fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory issues
- Consistent sore throat
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Joint or muscle pain
- Vision changes
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome find that they experience extreme exhaustion that lingers for at least 24 hours after any type of physical or mental exercise. However, the impact following physical or mental exertion can last for weeks when you have chronic fatigue syndrome. Even mild activity can trigger an “exhaustion attack”. Another red flag is when you awaken from a night of sleep feeling unrefreshed.
What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
An autoimmune disorder occurs when your body’s natural immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It’s not always clear why this happens. What we do know is that the body identifies its own tissue and cells as “threats.” It then destroys healthy tissue. Your body’s blood cells would normally protect you against things like cancer cells, toxins, bacteria, and toxins. However, the antibodies that are deployed against your own tissue create a host of physical problems.
What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is one of the more enigmatic illnesses that we see. However, there are possible connections between chronic fatigue syndrome and certain viruses. It’s important to be screened regarding past or current outbreaks of Epstein-Barr virus or Lyme disease when trying to create a full picture for your chronic fatigue diagnosis. Additionally, it is thought that hormonal imbalances or issues with the immune system may also be linked with chronic fatigue syndrome. Age can also be a factor. You’re more likely to be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome if you’re over the age of 40. However, that does not mean that doctors should rule out this diagnosis if you’re younger.
It is also possible that stress could be an underlying or exacerbating factor in a chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis. One of the ways that we look at this condition from a Functional Medicine perspective here at Bliss Medicine is to speak with you to get a background on your lifestyle.
What's the Right Way to Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
At Bliss Medicine, we offer chronic fatigue syndrome treatment Chicago residents can utilize to “get back to life” again. Unfortunately, this is an illness that can lead to depression and social isolation. We strive to help our patients move away from those points by helping them to manage their symptoms based on their unique medical backgrounds. The treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome won’t necessarily look the same for all patients.
Is there a cure for chronic fatigue syndrome? No official cure exists for chronic fatigue syndrome. However, there are many ways to successfully manage chronic fatigue syndrome to prevent it from interfering with your ability to live your life. Functional Medicine is used to identify potential source points for symptoms. It is also used to design targeted treatments that address individual factors that may be triggering your body’s responses.
Lifestyle changes, dietary plans, and proper sleep hygiene often help patients to eliminate, reduce, or control symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Supplementation and various therapies may also be helpful for relieving symptoms and addressing underlying contributors to chronic fatigue syndrome.
Do You Suspect Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Real?
Many patients come to us seeking treatment through Functional Medicine because they’re tired of being told that their symptoms are “all in their head.” Unfortunately, chronic fatigue syndrome is often mislabeled as “depression” or “laziness” by people and professionals who simply don’t have experience regarding this illness. Rest assured that the team at Bliss Medicine fully understands the realness and seriousness of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Can Stress Cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
It’s unclear whether or not stress alone can cause chronic fatigue syndrome. However, it’s important for medical professionals treating suspected cases of chronic fatigue syndrome to recognize and explore the way stress may trigger or contribute to symptoms.
Is Everyone Who Feels Tired Suffering From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms?
No, chronic fatigue syndrome isn’t the only explanation for why a person might feel tired. A chronic fatigue syndrome test can be used to either confirm or rule out the condition. Other possibilities can be explored if it looks like a patient does not have chronic fatigue syndrome.
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