| |
|||
| |
|||
Home :: Chronic Fatigue And Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Chronic Fatigue And Immune Dysfunction SyndromeChronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disease that was first named in the 1980s. Although it is not a new disease, and has been referred to by other names since the 1700s, it still remains the subject of a great deal of controversy. Even now, as increasing numbers of people are being diagnosed with CFS, many people inside and outside the health professions still doubt its existence or maintain that it's a psychological ailment. Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic Epstein-Barr virus [EBV], benign myalgic encephalomyelitis, "Yuppie flu") is typically marked by debilitating fatigue, neurologic abnormalities, and persistent symptoms that suggest chronic mononucleosis. It commonly occurs in adults under age 45, and its incidence is highest in women.CausesNo one is certain about what causes CFS. The symptoms may be caused by an immune system that isn't working well. Or they may be caused by some kind of virus. Researchers are looking for the cause of CFS. CFIDS may be associated with a reaction to viral illness that's complicated by dysfunctional immune response and by other factors that may include gender, age, genetic disposition, prior illness, stress, and environment. Chronic Fatigue signs and symptomsThe characteristic symptom of CFIDS is prolonged, often overwhelming fatigue that's commonly associated with a varying complex of other symptoms. To aid identification of the disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses a "working case definition" to group symptoms and severity. In addition to persistent fatigue, not caused by other known medical conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome has eight possible primary signs and symptoms. These include:
DiagnosisThe cause and nature of CFIDS are still unknown, and no single test unequivocally confirms its presence. Therefore, the diagnosis is based on the patient's history and the CDC criteria. Because the CDC criteria are admittedly a working concept that may not include all forms of this disease and are based on symptoms that can result from other diseases, a diagnosis is difficult and uncertain. Considerable overlap exists between CFIDS and fibromyalgia syndrome, with patients often having features of both.TreatmentNo therapy is known to cure CFIDS. Experimental treatments include the antiviral acyclovir and selected immunomodulating agents, such as I. V. gamma globulin, ampligen, and transfer factor. Treatment of symptoms may include tricyclic antidepressants (doxepin), histamine2-blocking agents (cimetidine), and antianxiety agents (alprazolam). In some patients, avoidance of environmental irritants and certain foods may help to relieve symptoms. PreventionBecause the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome remains unknown, there's no known way to prevent the illness from occurring. Be aware of the symptoms and signs of chronic fatigue syndrome and seek the help of your doctor to manage them if they occur. However some prevention tips are :-
|
|
|
(c) Health-care-clinic.org All rights reserved
Disclaimer: Health-care-clinic.org website is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Always take the advice of professional health care for specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment. We will not be liable for any complications, or other medical accidents arising from the use of any information on this web site. Please note that medical information is constantly changing. Therefore some information may be out of date.
