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CFS
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- CFS is a debilitating, perplexing, and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue unimproved by bed rest, and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity. Individuals with CFS must often function at a
substantially lower level of activity than they were capable
of before the onset of illness.
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- The criteria for establishing CFS stipulates that patients
must concurrently have four or more of the following
symptoms: substantial impairment in short-term memory or
concentration; sore throat; tender lymph nodes; muscle pain;
multi-joint pain without swelling or redness; headaches of a
new type, pattern, or severity; unrefreshing sleep; and
post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours. The
symptoms must have persisted or recurred during 6 or more
consecutive months of illness, and must not have predated
the fatigue.
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- Although recent studies have failed
to find an exact cause or establish a clear association with
an infectious agent (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, mycoplasma,
candida, etc.) or nutritional deficiencies, they have been
helpful in formulating new theories based on findings.
- The findings suggest an autoimmune disorder. Other findings correlate the condition with physical or emotional stress, commonly reported as a pre-onset condition in those with CFS. Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of the body, leading to increased release of Cortisol and other
hormones, resulting in the symptoms of fatigue reported by
CSF sufferers.
- An abnormality in the central nervous system may produce neurally- mediated Hypotension (NMH),
causing a dramatic drop in blood pressure when standing up,
even for as short a time as a few minutes in CSF patients.
- A less severe condition known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is also associated with CFS.
- Regardless of the etiology, a patient with this condition must be (medically) worked up adequately to rule out other diseases (i.e., malignancies, thyroid disease, adrenal disease, AIDS,
etc.).
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- Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Elavil, Doxepin) improve sleep and help relieve mild, generalized pain. Antidepressants from the class of seratonin re-uptake inhibitors (SRIs) such as Prozac, sertraline (Zoloft),
and paroxetine (Paxil) may be used for depression.
- Anxiolytic agents (e.g., Xanax) may be administered to
treat panic disorder.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(e.g., Advil) for pain and fever
- Anti-hypotensive therapy (e.g., Florinef) and/or salt and water intake for those with Hypotension
- A variety of medicines may be prescribed to fight the symptoms of CFS.
- Rest, exercise, proper diet,
avoiding alcohol, drugs and all central nervous system
stimulants (like coffee) are also recommended measures.
- And patience. Healing takes place even when we least expect or understand it. Others have recovered, and so will you.
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