The causes of chronic fatigue syndrome are difficult to pinpoint. For one, there is no medical test today that will, without a doubt, diagnose CFS. Secondly, tests to confirm or deny a brain chemical link to CFS are cost-prohibitive to run on a mass scale. Thirdly, many of these symptoms appear alongside other illnesses, diseases and conditions, so they are not mutually exclusive to chronic fatigue. Since chronic fatigue syndrome does not appear to be fatal, research funding usually falls on the back burner, as cancer and heart disease take center stage. While researchers are still studying the root cause, there are many theories flying around.
The CDC has a few theories on the explanations for CFS. One is that severe or persistent infections including herpes virus 6 or Epstein-Barr can leave residual effects in the anatomy, such as low energy and aches. A four-city surveillance study was not able to track CFS back to one specific human pathogen, although it is thought that infectious agents may play a part in creating recurring fatigue.
New research indicates that patients contaminated with Ross River virus, Coxiella burnetti and Epstein-Barr virus will pick up a post-infective illness that matches the chronic fatigue syndrome indicators in 12% of situations.
Immunologic dysfunction may be another one of the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome, according to CDC research. There are no particular immune disorders associated exclusively with CFS, but patients sometimes show the presence of self-attacking antibodies similar to that of autoimmune diseases, but without all the tissue damage. Some studies indicate lower levels of natural killer cells and decreased cell activity. Many patients produce inappropriate amounts of cytokines, such as interleukin-1, which affects bone joint degeneration, controls lymphocyte activity and induces a fever. One hypothesis is that chronic infections may lead to increased expression of cytokines and may then eventually lead to CFS.
Finding treatment is often as difficult as finding the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome. Some patients feel better with some lifestyle modifications. They try to eat better, start a regular exercise schedule, steer clear of known stressors and change their sleep habits. Counseling often helps patients find a more positive outlook and identify ways to change their situation. Others try medications for pain relief, depression, anxiety, blood pressure regulation or allergies. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, massage and movement therapy have been treatments recommended by CFS and fibromyalgia doctors as well. - 30287
The CDC has a few theories on the explanations for CFS. One is that severe or persistent infections including herpes virus 6 or Epstein-Barr can leave residual effects in the anatomy, such as low energy and aches. A four-city surveillance study was not able to track CFS back to one specific human pathogen, although it is thought that infectious agents may play a part in creating recurring fatigue.
New research indicates that patients contaminated with Ross River virus, Coxiella burnetti and Epstein-Barr virus will pick up a post-infective illness that matches the chronic fatigue syndrome indicators in 12% of situations.
Immunologic dysfunction may be another one of the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome, according to CDC research. There are no particular immune disorders associated exclusively with CFS, but patients sometimes show the presence of self-attacking antibodies similar to that of autoimmune diseases, but without all the tissue damage. Some studies indicate lower levels of natural killer cells and decreased cell activity. Many patients produce inappropriate amounts of cytokines, such as interleukin-1, which affects bone joint degeneration, controls lymphocyte activity and induces a fever. One hypothesis is that chronic infections may lead to increased expression of cytokines and may then eventually lead to CFS.
Finding treatment is often as difficult as finding the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome. Some patients feel better with some lifestyle modifications. They try to eat better, start a regular exercise schedule, steer clear of known stressors and change their sleep habits. Counseling often helps patients find a more positive outlook and identify ways to change their situation. Others try medications for pain relief, depression, anxiety, blood pressure regulation or allergies. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, massage and movement therapy have been treatments recommended by CFS and fibromyalgia doctors as well. - 30287
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Chronic fatigue is a real illness that requires education and the right treatment methods. One cure does not fit all with this disease. You need to educate yourself if you hope to start living a normal life again. Visit Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Help to find out more.
