Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

When it comes to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms, extreme exhaustion is the one that usually springs to mind!

But although they feel terrible, there are rarely obvious, outward signs of illness in those who are suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Sadly, that can sometimes lead other people (even doctors), to think that sufferers are 'imagining things' or being hypochondriacs.

Other names for it include Chronic Epstein Barr Syndrome, Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome and even Chronic Mononucleosis.

CFS affects more women than men (up to four times as many), and is most often seen in people between the ages of 30 and 50. But older children, especially teenagers are also susceptible.

In spite of continuing research, scientists and the medical community are still unclear on exactly what causes CFS... or even if it IS a 'real'. condition

But I for one, know how real this condition is, as one of my daughters has suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms for over a decade.

There is little that researchers agree on totally, but general opinion is that CFS is the result of a viral infection.

Most likely the Epstein Barr virus or Human Herpes Virus-6 (HHV-6). For as yet unknown reasons, it would appear that the virus affects their immune system to such a degree that they're unable to 'fight off' the virus entirely, and are left with this 'chronic' condition.

Other symptoms can be varied and vague, and may be confused with other health conditions.

The wide variety, and vague nature of, chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms, plus the different 'labels' given to this condition, may give you a clue as to how tricky it can be to get a diagnosis, or treatment for, CFS.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

For severe fatigue to be considered as a bona-fide symptom of CFS, it needs to have been present for at least 6 months, not a direct result of other illness/disease, not improve with rest, and have a significant impact on your ability to live normally (reducing your activity level by at least 50%, and often becoming debilitating after even mild exercise or effort).

Other chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms can be varied and vague, and may be confused with other health conditions such as the flu, or many common viral illnesses.

Whether you call it Chronic Epstein Barr Syndrome, Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, this is a complex and confusing condition which is difficult to diagnose accurately.

In fact, a diagnosis of CFS is usually reached by excluding all other possible causes for the symptoms (such as psychiatric or psychological illnesses, hormone problems, heart disease, auto-immune diseases and many more).

The chronic fatigue syndrome symptom list below contains the most common, and accepted, indicators of CFS.

A panel of CFS research experts, determined in a 1994, that in order to be diagnosed as having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a patient needs to be suffering from the first symptom on the list below, PLUS a minimum of four of the other chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms shown.

Bear in mind though, that not all sufferers will experience the same symptoms, or to the same degree.

• Extreme/severe fatigue that is new or unusual, has lasted for more than 6 months, significantly restricts activity, and isn't relieved by rest


• Sore throat


• Joint pain


• Headache


• Enlarged or painful lymph nodes (particularly in the neck or armpit)


• Muscle weakness and/or pain


• Insomnia


• Low grade fever


• Memory loss, poor concentration

The chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms above are the ones that are most commonly seen, but there are a whole host of other symptoms that you may, or may not, experience. These may come and go, remain fairly constant, or they may peak and then slowly diminish over time.

It's impossible to say whether the following are actually part of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome itself, occur as a result of primary chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms (listed above) or are due to a compromised immune system etc.

But, many CFS suffers experience some of them, at some point during their illness.

• Abdominal pain and/or digestive upset such as nausea or diarrhea


• Chest pain or shortness of breath


• Ear-ache or jaw pain


• Dizziness, light-headedness, general weakness


• Depression and/or anxiety disorders (such as panic attacks)


• Allergies - either a worsening of existing allergies, or occasionally new sensitivities


• Joint problems such as arthritis

Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

And although there isn't a 'cure' for CFS, and no specific treatments to relieve the underlying causes of your symptoms, there are several different things that you can do to help yourself feel better.

Sometimes a doctor may prescribe pain relievers, anti-inflammatories or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain, antihistamines to combat allergies,

Anti-anxiety drugs, or anti-depressants can be useful in treating panic disorders and depression. Anti-viral medications or antibiotics are also sometimes prescribed.

Making sure that you eat a healthy, well-balanced diet is also important, as is getting regular, gentle, physical exercise. Your doctor may recommend an exercise regimen, or refer you to a physical therapist.

Alternative treatments like acupuncture and herbal supplements may help reduce chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms, other options such as cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga and massage are also worth trying.

Aromatherapy can provide relief from many of the symptoms of CFS, here are a couple of products that are 100% Organic and are specifically formulated to treat things like muscle aches, and low immune function.

There are no nasty side effects and they're certified vegan, not tested on animals and all-natural....

This wellness formula is a blend of Jojoba, Lavendar, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree Organic Oils.

It works by stimulating your bodys' production of white blood cells which fight infection and disease. Making you healthier and stronger - naturally.

Perfect for anyone with a compromised immune system due to conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It's also invaluable for the elderly, people who are working around children or others who are sick, and just about everyone during cold/flu season!

An organic blend of warming Ginger Essential Oil, plus Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Cinammon that melts away the aches and pains associated with fatigue, over-exertion, stress, or health conditions such as flu and more.

Soothing and gentle, this oil can be rubbed into the skin or added to a warm bath for extra relief.

Also helps to reduce inflammation.

A combination of four Organic essential oils - Jojoba, Rosemary, Geranium and Juniper. This blend was specifically formulated to help keep your lymphatic system in great shape.

The lymphatic system works hard to remove toxins from your body, and keeping it fighting fit is important, especially if your immune system is low.

Use this formula once a day for a week as a 'boost' and then once a week for optimum results.

An organic blend of Grapeseed Oil plus Lavender, Jasmine, Rose and Neroli.

Helps promote relaxation and peace of mind, while encouraging restful sleep and sweet dreams.

Eliminate the anxiety and 'racing-thoughts' that can cause nightmares, tossing and turning and generally ruin your sleep.

To see the full range of over 100 organic, all-natural products that relieve the symptoms of a huge variety of conditions in men, women and children, check out this link...

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Recovery

Some people recover fully within 6 - 18 months, others experience symptoms for several years, still others may never totally 'get over' CFS (although of these, the majority are able to function normally but suffer from weak immune systems, and below-average energy levels).

My daughter was literally bed-ridden for the first few months and her chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms were so severe that she spend her entire High School years being tutored at home, and on a 'disability'.

But, 10 years on, she's in College and plays soccer at the weekends. Although she is an asthmatic and has a poor immune system and lots of allergies, she lives a fairly normal life.

So, if you think you may have CFS, or have just been diagnosed, take heart.... with time and all the medical help you need, life will return to normal.

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