Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition in which you experience extreme fatigue regularly for at least six months. With this condition—also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS—your fatigue and tiredness will persist even after getting plenty of rest and sticking to simple tasks that require little exertion.
Fatigue is a symptom of a large number of health conditions, which can make it difficult to identify its root cause. Treatment for chronic fatigue usually revolves around reducing your symptoms.
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue
The primary symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome is extreme exhaustion that occurs when doing activities that shouldn’t produce tiredness or fatigue—such as going upstairs to your bedroom, heating a meal, or brushing your teeth.
Three core symptoms characterize Chronic fatigue syndrome:
- A significantly reduced ability to do activities that were easy to do before the fatigue. Fatigue must range from moderate to severe, cannot be relieved by rest or sleep, and is not the result of difficult activity.
- Worsening of symptoms after performing activities that were easy to do before the illness. These symptoms are often referred to as a “crash” and include dizziness, headache, sore throat, and difficulty thinking.
- Sleep disturbances. Fatigue persists even after a full, restful night of sleep. Insomnia may also occur.
To be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, you must also have problems with thinking and memory (commonly described as brain fog) and/or worsening of chronic fatigue when standing or sitting up.
Other common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include:
- Muscle aches and pains
- Joint pain without redness or swelling
- Muscle weakness
- Headaches that are new or getting worse
- Sore throat that comes on frequently
- Tender lymph nodes in the neck and/or armpits
- Shortness of breath
- Digestive problems
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Irregular heart rate
- Allergies
- Sensitivities to light, noise, foods, odors, and chemicals
Causes and Risk Factors of Chronic Fatigue
The cause of chronic fatigue remains unknown. Suspected causes of this condition, according to scientists, include:
- Genetics, or a family history of chronic fatigue
- Viral or bacterial infection. Infections connected with chronic fatigue include the Epstein-Barr virus, rubella, and HIV.
- Emotional or physical trauma, such as from an injury or surgery
- Emotional or physical stress
- Immune system changes
- Changes to the way the body uses energy
Certain factors may also increase your risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome. Risk factors for this condition include:
- Gender. Females are at higher risk.
- History of infection. People with a history of colds or infections within six months before the illness are found to be at higher risk.
- Relationship status. Being single is a risk factor.
- Income level. A lower income is linked to chronic fatigue.
- Genetics. Chronic fatigue is more common in those with a family history of neurological illness.
- Age. Young to middle-aged adults are at greater risk.
How Is Chronic Fatigue Diagnosed?
Chronic fatigue syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because it has the same symptoms as many other health conditions. Symptoms of chronic fatigue are similar to those of various sleep disorders, mental health disorders, and other conditions including diabetes and anemia.
During your initial appointment, your doctor will review your personal and family medical histories, perform a physical exam, and evaluate your mental health status. Your doctor may also order a series of diagnostic tests—such as urine and blood tests—to confirm or rule out other health conditions with overlapping symptoms.
To be clinically diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, you must have all three core symptoms, along with cognitive problems and/or worsening of symptoms when standing or sitting up. Your symptoms must also have lasted for at least six months and range from moderate to severe in intensity.
Treatments for Chronic Fatigue
There is no known cure for chronic fatigue syndrome. Treatment for this condition usually focuses on reducing your symptoms—especially those that are most disabling or disruptive.
Pacing and medications are the two most common treatments for chronic fatigue.
Pacing
Also known as activity management, pacing can help prevent post-exertional malaise (PEM). PEM is the worsening of symptoms that can begin 12 to 48 hours after minor activities or exertion. The goal of pacing is to find the right balance between rest and activity, which can help prevent or reduce symptoms. You may need to work with a provider that specializes in chronic fatigue to benefit from pacing.
Medications
Medications can be used to treat specific symptoms of chronic fatigue or other health problems associated with this condition. Blood pressure medications, pain relievers, and antidepressants are some of the many medications that may be used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome.
In addition to pacing and medications, your doctor may recommend other treatments based on your symptoms and your ability to cope with your condition. Many patients also benefit from nutritional counseling, sleep therapy, and deep breathing—all of which are shown to reduce symptoms.
Make an appointment with your doctor right away if you are experiencing chronic fatigue. Early intervention and treatment can improve your quality of life and get you on the path to feeling better.
Resource Links
- “Symptoms of ME/CFS” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Possible Causes” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “A logistic regression analysis of risk factors in ME/CFS pathogenesis” via BMC Neurology
- “Diagnosis of ME/CFS” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “Treatment of ME/CFS” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention