How to Recognize the Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

By eHow Health Editor

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The symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) include inability to concentrate, persistent tiredness, weakness in the limbs, headaches, joint aches, swollen glands and low grade fever. Many of these symptoms are also symptoms of other diseases, so pinning them down to CFS can be difficult.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Ask yourself questions about your current state of fatigue. Think about whether it takes significantly longer to recover from exertion than it did previously. Also, consider whether you are fatigued on a consistent basis for more than 24 hours, even after a night of good rest.

Step2

Understand that the symptoms of CFS vary widely from person to person. The basic feeling of being severely tired and unable to recover from exertion is common to almost all CFS patients, but beyond that CFS takes many forms. In women many symptoms of CFS may also be confused with symptoms of menopause. These include hot flashes, night sweats and sudden changes in weight and energy.

Step3

Try not to overlook mental and emotional symptoms of CFS. Many CFS patients report the feeling of being in a fog. They also complain of memory loss, difficulty learning new concepts or staying on task. CFS may also cause a person to be anxious, depressed or moody. Irritability can also be a sign of CFS.

Step4

Be aware of recently developed allergies or other sensitivities. A sudden inability to tolerate certain foods or smells can be one way to recognize CFS. Sensitivity to light or noise can also be a symptom of CFS.

Step5

Keep a journal of symptoms. CFS is often episodic. A journal can help detect a pattern in your symptoms and distinguish them from similar symptoms of other diseases. Write down anything different from the way you normally feel, even if it doesn't initially seem important.

Step6

Recognize unusual symptoms. CFS sufferers often feel as though they have a fever when they don't or they may have some symptoms of migraines but not all of them. In addition, joints may be painfully tender, but not swollen or discolored.

Tips & Warnings

People often first notice CFS symptoms after a respiratory, intestinal or viral infection, particularly if the sickness occurs during a period of extreme stress. However, some sufferers never specifically pinpoint the beginning of CFS.
If you're wondering whether you may have CFS or not, try taking the CFS assessment test at the Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome website (see Resources below). While this assessment is not intended to take the place of your doctor's diagnosis, it can let you know whether your symptoms are worth mentioning to your doctor for further evaluation.