Women are 2 to 4 times more diagnosed with symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome than men. However, it isn’t a factor to be considered for the condition. Experts believe that it could be that more women report their conditions more than men do to the doctor. The syndrome affects most people who are in their 40s or 50s, but chronic fatigue illness is a health problem that individuals of all ages can be affected with.
The problem with this syndrome is definite risk factors are yet to be determined and confirmed by the doctors as there is no exact cause known to trigger the illness. The most common condition that affects the patient is a flu-like illness, which, in most times, drains the energy and lasts for years. And another problem with it is even the people who are previously full of energy and healthy can be targets of various chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.
The common signs and symptoms associated to CFS are similar to typical viral infections. However, unlike these infections, they can last longer than just a few days. The tricky part is the symptoms can appear and go as frequently without identifiable pattern. The persistent fatigue is accompanied by other primary symptoms and signs. These include:
Sore throat, expanded lymph nodes in the armpits or neck
Muscle soreness or pains, join pains, redness or swelling
New headache type
Sleep disturbance
Loss of concentration, and even memory
Extreme physical exhaustion that lasts 24 hours following mental or physical exercise.
Other signs and symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating, allergies, chest pain, diarrhea, chronic cough, dizziness, fainting, and balance problems, dry mouth, jaw pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, earache, night sweats and chills, weight loss/gain, breath shortage, visual disturbances, and tingling sensations. There are also psychological problems added, such as irritability, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and depression.
Chronic fatigue syndrome can also produce possible complications. They can be depression, adverse reactions and side effects from medical treatments or de-conditioning, lifestyle restrictions, social isolation, and missing work.
Most doctors, scientists, and researches believe that the patient can be diagnosed with the syndrome when a minimum of four symptoms or persistent fatigue have occurred for or over six months.
When to Ask for Medical Advice
It is time to seek medical advice when excessive fatigue or the symptoms, such as psychological disorders and infections, continue to persist. If the condition is preventing you from participating in normal daily activities, whether at home, at work or at school, you need to see a qualified doctor to give you medical attentions.
Emotional Support to the Patients
If you suffer with symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, they may peak early on and can become bothersome and then gradually decrease over time. To some other patients, recovering can occur completely while others go worse. Whatever the condition of the patient, it is advised that counseling and emotional support from family and friends know how to deal with restrictions and uncertainties resulting from chronic fatigue syndrome.
The patient is best to go if they can join any support group or meet people, depending on the case, to avoid worsening the condition. But in the case that the condition is different and support groups do not make the patient comfortable, it is better to leave them alone than add to the stress.