People with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) often feel so tired that they cannot do even half of their normal daily activities. And the feeling does not go away, even with more rest. Twice as many women as men are diagnosed with CFS, and it is more common in people over age 40. It may last a month, a couple of years, or many years. Sometimes symptoms come and go.
Although researchers are not sure what causes CFS, there are ways to manage symptoms so you can still do the things you enjoy.
The cause of CFS is unknown, but a virus or an immune system reaction may be responsible. Preliminary research suggests herpes infection, for example, may trigger CFS. Risk factors include extreme stress or anxiety, flu-like illness that does not completely go away, poor eating habits, and psychological conditions, such as obsessive compulsive disorder, neuroticism, and perfectionism. Depression can make the condition worse and make it last longer.
There is no laboratory test for chronic fatigue syndrome. But your health care provider may use tests to rule out other illnesses. Your provider will go over your symptoms, check your medical history, and do a physical examination.
If you have CFS, your provider may prescribe drugs to treat your symptoms, or suggest herbs, vitamins, or dietary changes to help you. Get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and learn to pace yourself. Often this combination of treatments will help you get better.
If the usual treatments do not work, your provider may check for other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of CFS.
CFS is a stressful disease. It is important to get emotional support, as well as treat your symptoms. Studies show that psychological support, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can help treat symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Although there is no cure, physicians may treat symptoms with medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs help relieve muscle and joint aches. Support groups and stress management techniques can help you cope with the disease.
Antidepressants. In addition to relieving depression, these drugs can reduce fatigue and muscle tension, and improve sleep. Side effects vary. Antidepressants often prescribed for chronic fatigue include:
Anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines). Side effects vary. Alprazolam (Xanax) or lorazepam (Ativan) are among those prescribed.
Antihistamines. Relieve allergy like symptoms. Side effects include drowsiness and headache.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs help relieve pain. These drugs include naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Side effects can include stomach bleeding when used for a long period of time.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Another pain reliever. Side effects can include kidney and liver damage when taken in large doses.
Stimulants. Improve fatigue and concentration. These drugs include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta). People whose fatigue is less chronic tend to respond better.
Eating a healthy diet, and using herbs and homeopathic remedies as recommended, may help reduce the debilitating symptoms of CFS, and may improve overall energy. Counseling, support groups, meditation, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation are stress management techniques that may help as well.
Avoid refined foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and saturated fats. Eat more fresh vegetables, legumes, whole grains, protein, and essential fatty acids found in nuts, seeds, and cold-water fish.
The following supplements may help reduce symptoms of CFS. Supplements may not be appropriate for every patient, and some may have side effects and/or interact with other medications. Ask your doctor before taking a supplement and work with someone knowledgeable in complementary and alternative medicine therapies.
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, herbs can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, take herbs only under the supervision of a health care provider.
Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.
Herbs that may help with symptoms of chronic fatigue include:
Essential oils of jasmine, peppermint, and rosemary may help reduce stress when used in aromatherapy. Place several drops in a warm bath or atomizer, or on a cotton ball.
The appropriate homeopathic treatment for CFS depends on your constitutional type, includes your physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for each individual. Some remedies commonly used by professional homeopaths to treat CFS include:
Several studies in China have indicated acupuncture may help treat CFS. Western studies have found that acupuncture may help conditions with similar symptoms, such as fibromyalgia, depression, headache, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Evidence also suggests that acupuncture may help boost your immune system. It may also help people with CFS get a more restful night's sleep, which is often key to turning the condition around.
Acupuncturists treat people with CFS based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi located in various meridians. In the case of CFS, a qi deficiency is usually detected in the spleen or kidney meridians, but a deficiency may also be found in the lung or liver meridians. CSF does not have to be caused by a deficient condition. It can also be a symptom of an excess in certain meridiens.
Acupuncturists may use moxibustion (a technique in which the herb mugwort is burned over specific acupuncture points) in addition to needling therapy, as it is thought moxibustion helps to provide a deeper and stronger treatment. Practitioners with herbal training may recommend specific herbal remedies, as well as dietary changes.
Although no well-designed clinical trials have looked at chiropractic treatment for CFS, some chiropractors suggest that spinal manipulation may boost energy and reduce pain in some people with the condition.
Therapeutic massage can reduce stress-related symptoms, improve circulation, and increase your overall sense of well being. Physical exercise and exercise therapy have also been shown to improve symptoms.
Your health care provider will do routine checkups while you are taking any drugs or following treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome. Contact your doctor if new symptoms develop.
If you are pregnant, you should not use any herbs or supplements without your doctor's supervision. You should not take echinacea for long periods of time.
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Reviewed By: Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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