According to a recent report by the Institute of Medicine, an estimated 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, many of whom are undiagnosed. The persistent exhaustion and other symptoms of chronic fatigue can have a negative impact on your quality of life. Dr. Chong Kim of Coastal Anti-Aging Medical Group offers effective treatments to help you find relief. Call or book online to visit the Torrance, California, office.
What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a disorder involving numerous symptoms, the primary one being extreme, persistent fatigue that can’t be explained by an underlying condition. The fatigue doesn’t improve with rest and can worsen with mental and physical activity.
The disorder is also called systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).
Some of the other symptoms of chronic fatigue are:
- Loss of memory
- Difficulty concentrating and sporadic impairment of cognitive functioning
- Sore throat
- Enlarged lymph nodes in your armpits or neck
- Headaches
- Unexplained joint or muscle pain
- Heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and temperature
- Muscle weakness and problems with muscle coordination
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, and disorientation
- Frequent urination
For some people, this chronic exhaustion and the onset of other symptoms can begin suddenly, but for others, it happens gradually — usually over a few weeks or months. Some people also experience weight gain or loss, and a change in appetite.
The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome can come and go, with periods of relief, but for others, the disorder is constant.
It’s also common for people with chronic fatigue syndrome to have depression, which exacerbates the problem.
What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, but there are numerous theories, including:
- Viral infections
- Psychological stress or emotional trauma
- Hormonal imbalance
- Problems with the immune system
Many experts believe a combination of factors causes chronic fatigue syndrome.
There’s not a single test to diagnose chronic fatigue, rather a variety of other medical tests to rule out other conditions including sleep disorders, thyroid complications, heart and lung impairments, and mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
What are the treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome typically focus on providing symptom relief, since there’s no known definitive cure.
Some of the treatments for chronic fatigue include:
- Medications, such as anti-inflammatories and antidepressants
- Physical therapy and light personal training
- Vitamin supplements
Dr. Kim has years of experience in helping his patients with chronic fatigue syndrome to find symptom relief. If you’re experiencing persistent exhaustion or other symptoms, call or book online to visit Dr. Kim and discuss treatment.