Chronic Fatigue v Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fatigue refers to a sensation of exhaustion during or after usual daily activities, or a lack of energy to begin these activities. Most people have fatigue at one time or another in their lives. Fatigue may result from exertion, lack of sleep, or illnesses such as colds. Fatigue is not extreme or persistent. Instead, it generally goes away after getting more rest or recovering from a cold. Chronic fatigue, however, occurs when symptoms of exhaustion or lack of energy last over 6 months.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is the medical name for a condition of extreme and persistent fatigue. To have a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a patient must meet the following two criteria: 1) have severe chronic fatigue for 6 months or longer with other known medical conditions excluded by clinical diagnosis, and 2) at the same time, have four or more of the following symptoms: substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration; sore throat; tender lymph nodes; muscle pain; multijoint pain without swelling or redness; headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity; unrefreshing sleep; and discomfort after physical activity that lasts more than 24 hours. The symptoms must have persisted or recurred during 6 or more consecutive months and must not have predated the fatigue. When there is no apparent explanation or cause of fatigue, such as a disease, a diagnosis of CFS is given.
The following information covers chronic fatigue (not CFS) as a symptom of many diseases of the skin, muscles, and joints.
Chronic Fatigue: A Symptom of Many Diseases
Chronic fatigue is a symptom of many diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lupus. Although the cause of chronic fatigue is unknown, infection, hormone levels, and stress are believed to play a role in its symptoms. Chronic fatigue often results from sleep disturbance, usually insomnia, in combination with chronic pain and depression. Stress, physical inactivity, poor diet, and medications may also contribute to chronic fatigue. Social and cultural factors are also believed to play a role in chronic fatigue symptoms. People with mobility-limiting disorders often experience chronic fatigue. Regardless of the cause, chronic fatigue has a major impact on day-to-day functioning and quality of life.
Talking to Your Doctor About Chronic Fatigue
If you think you may be struggling with chronic fatigue, it is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain are particularly important to discuss. It is also important to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including dietary supplements and alternative and complementary treatments, because some medications can exaggerate the symptoms listed above. For example, stimulants (such as caffeine) as well as corticosteroids may cause sleep disturbances. Your doctor can provide guidance on what medications and interventions may restore your sleep, as well as advice on medications to avoid. It is also important to discuss chronic pain symptoms with your doctor because chronic pain often leads to sleep difficulties, which in turn leads to chronic fatigue. Your doctor may order laboratory tests to determine what organ(s) may be involved in causing chronic fatigue.
Your doctor may recommend self-management strategies to handle your fatigue.
