If you’re tired all the time, it could be chronic fatigue syndrome. If you can barely remember the last time you felt energized all day and ready to tackle whatever came your way, a health condition might be causing your fatigue. Different health conditions can sap your energy, leaving you feeling sluggish and listless, and one of them is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also called myalgic encephalomyelitis.
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a long-term condition characterized by fatigue that worsens with exertion and makes you feel so tired that you can’t complete normal, daily activities, but does not improve with rest.
CFS is more common in younger and middle-aged women, but people of any age or gender could develop it. Genetics may also play a role.
If you have CFS, you might have these symptoms:
- Fatigue that doesn’t let up with rest or sleep
- Feeling extremely tired after exercising
- Trouble concentrating
- Headaches
- Joint pain
If you feel moderate or severe fatigue for at least six months, talk to your health care provider. You’ll need to rule out other causes of long-term fatigue, such as low thyroid levels, low red blood cell counts, autoimmune disease, depression and sleep apnea.
Several conditions could trigger CFS, including infections such as mononucleosis, autoimmune disorders and an altered immune system that makes it difficult to fight off an infection.
Many people who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus feel fatigued for a long time.
Prevention and Treatment For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
You can reduce the likelihood you’ll develop CFS by taking care of your health, sleeping enough and avoiding infections.
If you’re diagnosed with CFS, improving your sleep, treating any mood disorders and managing pain can help. Physical therapy can help some people, and cognitive therapy can help if you have trouble concentrating. CFS is rarely fatal, and some people recover spontaneously.
Each person is different, so it is important to learn your limits and pace yourself with exercise and any activity. Trying to push yourself can cause exhaustion and make your symptoms worse.
Many health conditions can cause long-lasting fatigue, including chronic fatigue syndrome. If you’ve been feeling tired for more than six months, call us today. We can help you.