How to Cure Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

What is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?| HealthSoul

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a pronounced, long-lasting condition that limits the functioning of multiple parts of the human body. It’s common for people with CFS to find themselves unable to carry out their daily routines. Getting out of bed could even be a challenge at times.

What is chronic fatigue syndrome, what causes this condition, who is at risk, and how can you overcome it? Read on to find out the answers to these questions.

What is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a serious, long-term ailment that can make it hard to perform one’s daily activities. CFS is a complicated illness whose cause is unknown. It is also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), which means that your muscles hurt and that your brain and spinal cord are inflamed.

For a long time, several individuals doubted that CFS was an actual medical condition. But in recent years, professionals have begun to take it more seriously, and studies are ongoing to figure out why it occurs and how to cure it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 2.5 million Americans are suffering from the syndrome.

Causes of chronic fatigue syndrome

Researchers are beginning to grasp the basic origin of CFS, but they are yet to discover a total remedy or preventative measure. In many situations, it appears that genes have a role.

As many as 4000 published papers have explained the link between CFS and certain problems believed to cause the condition. They include defects in:

  • Immunological, neurological, and hormonal processes;
  • Digestive system;
  • Blood flow and cardiac systems;
  • Biochemical anomalies; and
  • Energy generation and transport capacity of the body.

Factors that can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome

Individuals in their forties and fifties are the most likely to suffer from CFS. Furthermore, gender plays a critical part in CFS. Hence, the illness occurs 2-4 times more in females than males. Additionally, genetic susceptibility, allergies, stress, and environmental variables can all raise your chance of getting the syndrome. In particular, this includes the state of health after a viral illness, such as the Epstein-Barr virus.

Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are usually mistaken for the flu. While symptoms can vary from one individual to another, below are some of the most prevalent CFS signs and symptoms:

  • Photophobia
  • Headache
  • Sleeping problems
  • Sore lymph nodes
  • Exhaustion
  • Discomfort in joints and muscles
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mood changes
  • Postural hypotension
  • Poor memory
  • Depression

How is CFS diagnosed?

Manifestations of CFS may resemble those of other illnesses. Thus, diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome can be a challenge since its symptoms may be mistaken for those of other conditions. Therefore, before determining whether or not you have CFS, you should always consult your doctor to get a definitive medical evaluation to rule out other possible conditions.

As part of a comprehensive medical evaluation, he or she will inquire about your personal and family health histories, ask about your present condition and its symptoms, as well as to conduct a comprehensive physical and mental health evaluation. Your urine or blood may also be tested to obtain additional information.

All this information will help your doctor get a better picture of your condition and its negative impact on your life.

Effects of chronic fatigue syndrome

CFS can lead to varying degrees of impairment in various individuals. CFS, like many other long-term conditions, can cause mild, moderate, or severe damage.

  • Mild – at least a 50% reduction in the individual’s capacity to carry out daily tasks.
  • Moderate: the individual is largely housebound;
  • Severe: they are bed-ridden and reliant on others for their daily needs.

If you or a loved one suffers from CFS, you may be unable to take care of your own personal or family duties because of your illness. The financial position of such an individual may be gravely jeopardized.

CFS patients are often misunderstood by members of the general public, who mistakenly assume they are just exhausted or that the condition is all in their heads. A patient who faces this misconception may end up pushing himself to the brink, leading to relapses and further aggravating the condition.

Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome*

CFS does not have a certain cure. Symptom reprieve is the primary goal of treatment. Chronic fatigue syndrome treatment is often focused on symptoms that are the most obstructive or incapacitating. Below are treatment options:

Medications

Through prescription or over-the-counter drugs, certain chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms can be alleviated, as seen in the instances below:

  1. Depression: There is a strong correlation between depression and long-term health conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome. If you’re struggling with the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, seeking treatment is the smart move. Certain antidepressants, when taken at low dosages, can also aid with getting quality sleep and pain relief.
  2. Postural hypotension: Standing or sitting upright causes dizziness or nausea in some patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, especially teenagers. Medicines to control blood pressure or cardiac arrhythmias may be beneficial here.
  3. Pain: Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium are all over-the-counter medicines that can be employed to relieve pain.

Stem cell therapy

The most fundamental form of cell, stem cells, have turned out to be a huge breakthrough after decades of searching for how to treat chronic fatigue syndrome. Stem cells are extremely versatile and strong, with the ability to differentiate into a wide variety of tissues. Their introduction to the affected body part can assist in triggering the desired response, making them perfect for regenerative therapy. It is also known that stem cells are able to reduce inflammation.

Regenerative medicine through stem cell transplant will alleviate several symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, although it is not an outright cure. However, coordination and sleep patterns, as well as muscular discomfort, headache, and fatigue, have been demonstrated to be improved or eliminated by the supplement. It also helps strengthen your immune system and fix the underlying causative factors for long-term relief.

Other therapies

  1. Addressing sleep problems: Sleeplessness can make it increasingly challenging to manage other symptoms. Your physician may recommend that you avoid caffeine or adjust your bedtime routine. Also, a device that distributes air pressure as you sleep with the aid of a mask can help address sleep apnea problems.
  2. Workout: Strenuous exercises can aggravate symptoms, so it’s vital to stick with activities you can handle to avoid deconditioning. Low-intensity exercise sessions that slowly increase in intensity may be beneficial for facilitating long-term functioning.

*Disclaimer. All treatment methods and drugs mentioned in this article are for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a guide to treatment. Please seek medical advice to manage your health condition.

Conclusion

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a life-altering illness that can impact every facet of an individual’s everyday life.

Prior to the discovery of stem cell therapy, coping strategies played a significant role in the management of CFS. However, stem cell therapy centers now provide a means to directly combat the condition from the outset, make the body less vulnerable, and reduce the negative effects of the syndrome to the barest minimum.