Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition by which a person feels extreme tiredness and will get completely worn out. Such a critical condition makes one incapable to do normal daily activities such as bathing, dressing, reading for long time, eating etc. These are some of activities a person performs without thinking. The tiredness will not alleviate even after a long sleep or rest. The condition will get worsened if the person tries to do normal and nominal physical activities like walking or even due to tension.
Chronic fatigue syndrome may develop suddenly or over time. It can also occur due to bacterial or viral infection. The intensity of tiredness may increase after weeks and months if it has started early. The intensity of tiredness fluctuates by time in a way that one may feel comfortable in one day and extremely tired in next day. The initial symptoms include muscle spasm, insomnia or trouble focusing. Impairment in concentration and short term memory are also considered as preliminary symptoms. Even though in most cases, there will be fluctuation in tiredness, some may experience in constantly. Before a diagnosis of CFS to be made, such extreme tiredness has to be continued for more that six months. As there are different illnesses with similar symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose clearly in the beginning stages. Some of them are fibromyalgia syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities, chronic mononucleosis and neurasthenia.
The exact count of people in United States with chronic fatigue syndrome is not known. But experts have estimated that more than a million of Americans are suffering from this illness. There is no age, ethnicity/race, sex or economical status for this illness to get affected. But the count of females exceeds males in case of total patients and there is no research report of other evidences to prove this. It may also be due to the reason that female patients are free to consult doctors regarding this issue than males. It is also found more in age of 40’s and 50’s.
Chronic fatigue syndrome can lead to further complications if left untreated. It includes depression, after effects or side reaction of medicines in case of improper diagnosis, restriction in life styles and after effects of idleness. |