How to Recognize Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder consisting of an overwhelming and continuous fatigue that affects over a million Americans. Although many medical disorders present symptoms similar to CFS, specific criteria are used to diagnose this disorder. If you think you or someone you know may be one of the people suffering from CFS, these guidelines can help you recognize the primary determiners of this disorder.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Assess whether you have been experiencing fatigue and to what extent. CFS is debilitating, and those who suffer from it often find they have very little energy or stamina for doing everyday activities.

2. Determine how long you have been experiencing the constant fatigue. If it has been ongoing for at least six months with no other medical explanation, this is a good indicator of CFS.

3. Look for other major symptoms of CFS. Persons who suffer from CFS will have at least four of these symptoms at the same time. These symptoms include impaired memory or concentration, sore lymph nodes, muscle and joint pain, headaches, sore throat and problems with sleeping.

4. Evaluate yourself for secondary symptoms of CFS. While the range of symptoms is vast and not experienced by every patient, these symptoms may be indicative of CFS. They include: night sweats, dizziness, chronic coughing, dry eyes/mouth, insomnia, diarrhea, chest pains and nausea.

5. Ask yourself whether you feel rested after a night of sleep. Sufferers of CFS still experience extreme fatigue even after they have rested.

6. Monitor how you feel after exerting energy, whether physical or mental. Symptoms often recur or worsen after such exertions.

7. Rule out other possible medical and psychological disorders that may have similar symptoms. Among other possibilities, these could include mononucleosis (mono), multiple sclerosis, depression and even some cancers.

Tips & Warnings

• Symptoms can come and go over a period of time, so a remission of symptoms does not necessarily mean that the disorder is permanently gone.
• CFS can onset after a catalyst such as illness or intense stress, but it can also onset due to no obvious causing factor as well.
• If you think you may have CFS or if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your doctor right away. It is imperative to receive medical attention, since this and many other disorders are treatable when tended to properly.

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[Flinda]

on 9/27/2008 Thanks for writing this article. It is nice to have a forum to go to where things like symptoms are listed in simple easy to read articles and can help refer to other articles for further research.
Flinn From Oregon