Kay Kay Healthcare Ltd.
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
SYMPTOMS
• Recent onset of debilitating fatigue.
• Fatigue that is not result of exertion and that is unrelieved by rest.
• Persistent low grade fever.
• Muscles soreness and weakness.
• Sleep disorders.
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes.
• Migrating joint pain without swelling or redness.
• Forgetfulness, confusion, inability to concentrate.
• Recurrent sore throat.
• Headaches.
• Long lasting malaise following physical exertion.
• Symptoms that persist for six months and result in substantial reduction of activities.
WHAT IS CHRONIC FATIIGUE SYNDROME
Chronic fatigue syndrome; or CFS also known as chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), chronic Epstein Barr virus (CEBV), and magic encephalomyelitis (ME) first came to public attention in the mid 1980s. it primarily strike young urban professionals, with Caucasian women under the age of 45 accounting for 80 percent of cases; however, all segments of the population, including children, are susceptible. CFS is characterized by overwhelming fatigue and other flulike symptoms, but it is not contagious. Typically, the onset is sudden and debilitating. The exhaustion felt by CFS suffers doesn’t result from overexertion and isn’t alleviated by rest or medications; indeed, it tends to become worse over time. CFS is not progressive degenerative or fatal disease, although it may linger one or more years. The symptoms wax and wane and often become disabling before improving, but the vast majority people do eventually recuperate.
CAUSES
The cause of CFS is not known, but researchers are investigating a variety of possibilities. For example, CFS may be autoimmune disease that results from a combination of viruses, allergies, and hormonal imbalances. One theory holds that excessive reliance on antibiotics or long term exposure to pesticides or chemical toxins may be at fault. Studies also suggest a dysfunction of the immune system. In addition, some scientist are studying enter viruses such as polio; human herpes viruses; and the recently discovered retroviruses such as HIV, although there is no link between CFS and HIV or AIDS. Others see link between CFS and chronic yeast infections. Current theory holds that CFS may develop when an opportunistic virus or other agent invades the body at time is already suppressed. Factors that might contribute to this state include physical, emotional, or environmental stress, or combination of three. Although many people, including some physicians, are skeptical and believe that CFS is psychological rather than physiological, research shows that CFS suffers have disturbance in immunological functioning that make their unable either to eradicate invading viruses previously dormant in their system. The Epstein Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis, was once viewed as the cause of CFS but is now known to be an unrelated problem.
DIAGNOSTIC AND TEST PROCEDURES
Your doctor will take your medical history, perform a physical exam, and do a complete blood count to rule out other disorders that share symptoms with CFS, such as HIV, mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and depression. You may also be given an antinuclear antibody test for arthritis, lupus, and other connective tissue disease. Your thyroid function may be tested to check for an underactive thyroid. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test will show elevated readings if there is any inflammation in your body. Once other possibility have been ruled out, your doctor will apply specific guidelines set forth by the center for disease control and prevention to determine whether you have CFS. Your symptoms must have been present for at least six months and must meet these guidelines for the diagnosis to be definitive.
TREATMENT
Given that the cause of CFS is unknown, treatment is restricted is relief of symptoms. A number of conventional and alternative therapies can help you weather the course of the disease.
CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE
An often recommended first step with chronic fatigue syndrome is to maintain general good health while avoiding situation that are physically or psychologically stressful, and to balance rest or non-vigorous exercise. The flulike symptoms of CFS can be temporarily alleviated with a variety of medicines. Your doctor may prescribe a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin to counteract your low grade fever, headaches, and joint or muscle soreness. Low doses of monoamine oxides (MAO) inhibitors, fluoxetine, or tricyclic antidepressants have improved patients quality of sleep and helped relieve both fatigue and muscle pain. Study have shown varying degrees of success in treating other CFS symptoms with intravenous injections of gammaglobulin, an age old blood derivative product. And some doctors are attempting to modulate the immune system with histamine H2 blockers such as cimetidine and ranitidine, although this form of treatment is still considered experimental. Sensitivity to a chemical, pesticide, household cleaning product, or another potential environmental toxin may also be contributing to CFS. Try eliminating suspected items, then reintroducing them one by one, to pinpoint what may be causing your symptoms. If you discover that a special sensitivity is your problem, you also might want to consider asking your pharmacist to use preservative free dilutions in preparing any medications you may be taking.
ALTERNATIVE CHOICES
A number of alternative therapies can help control the various symptoms of CFS. But be sure to check with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis before embarking on a course of treatment.
ACCUPRESSURE
Applying gentle pressure to the gallbladder points may help relieve fatigue and depression while strengthening your immune system. See the Appendix for help in locating the points on your shoulders and neck known as Gall Bladder 20 and Gall Bladder 21. This sequence can be repeated one or more times a day. Or whenever CFS symptoms appear. Pregnant women should be careful to press Gall Bladder 21 lightly.
ACCUPUNCTURE
An acupuncturist may undertake a series of treatment to attempt to normalize and balance the immune system. In Chinese medicine, enhancing vital energy, nourishing the blood, and strengthening the spirit can be part of therapeutic strategy.
CHINESE HERBS
A commercially prepared mixture called the Astragal us ten formula combines Asian ginseng, liquorice, astragals, and other herbs in powder or tablet form. Anecdotal reports describe improvement among CFS patients after taking this formula regularly.
HERBAL THERAPIES
Goldenseal has been shown to increase white blood cell activity in some tests. Echinacea. And shiitake mushrooms contain oligosaccharides, known to be extremely potent immune stimulators; take in moderate doses only, as advised by a qualified herbalist. Liquorice is said to have antiviral properties. Silymarin, a component of milk thistle, may help with the liver problems that sometimes affect people with CFS. German chamomile, burdock, yarrow, and Asian ginseng are all said to stimulate immune activity and may be beneficial to CFS suffers it taken regularly. Consult a qualified herbalist for more specific guidelines.
HOMEOPATHY
Some homeopathic practitioner has reported success in treating the symptoms of CFS. As with all chronic ailments, its best to seek the advice of a homeopathic physicians or specialist who can accurately diagnose and treat the specific symptoms of your particular case.
MIND/BODY MEDICINE
Meditation, progressive relaxation, guided imagery, qigong, and yoga are techniques that may help alleviate CFS symptoms without being tiring. In fact, they may provide you with additional energy because they reduce stress.
NUTRITION AND DIET
One theory holds that a nutritional deficiency may be a contributing factor causing CFS, so it’s important to maintain a helpful diet. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar, white flour, salt, and fried, preserved, high fat foods in favour of whole grains, beans, rice, fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Add edible seaweeds, shiitake mushrooms, liquorice to your diet. Eating two cloves of garlic a day may help boost your immune system’s antiviral and antibacterial activity. When garlic is crush or sliced, a sulphur compound called alliin is converted into allicin, which some people have a difficult time tolerating. If you can’t digest fresh garlic, you might want to try one of the commercially prepared aged garlic extract tablets that are available. Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B12 are nutritional supplements that may lesson symptoms. Some evidence suggests that a combination of malice acid and magnesium may help relieve fatigue and muscle pain. Egg lecithin taken with meals may enhance immunity and promote energy. Other immune system enhancing vitamin includes vitamin C and beta carotene, which is also a natural antioxidant. Vitamin B5, and B6, zinc, selenium, manganese, and chromium all play a role in strengthening the immune system as well. The amino acid tryptophan, found in various foods, may be helpful for some symptoms, and since it helps the body produce serotonin, a natural sedative, it may aid in sleep. However, don’t take it in supplement form if you have high blood pressure or are taking antidepressants. When a food that you are allergic to enters your body, your immune system views it as an invader, like a virus or bacterium, and attacks it by overabundance of these antibodies, in conjunction with the release of histamines and other body chemicals, results in such symptoms as increase mucus production, tissue swelling, headache, sore throat, and sometimes mental confusion. The simplest way to figure out which food or foods are to be blame is to try an elimination diet: for a week or two, stop eating things you think may be causing an allergic reaction. Typical culprits include dairy products, nuts, egg, shellfish, and preservative in prepared food, but other food can also be the source of your problems. You will have determined at least one of the foods to which you are sensitive and can then eliminate it in all its variations from your diet.
AT HOME REMEDIES
Make sure you don’t attempt more activity during the day than you can handle. Get plenty of rest, pay close attention to your diet, and exercise lightly on a regular basis.
PREVENTION
Because no one knows what causes CFS, there is no way to prevent it. However, you may be able to avoid any worsening of symptoms by strengthening your immune system with vitamins, a proper diet, mild exercise, avoiding environmental toxins, and keeping any allergies you may have under control. You might also want to consider experimenting with various alternative therapies to determine which one works best for you.
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
SYMPTOMS
• Recent onset of debilitating fatigue.
• Fatigue that is not result of exertion and that is unrelieved by rest.
• Persistent low grade fever.
• Muscles soreness and weakness.
• Sleep disorders.
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes.
• Migrating joint pain without swelling or redness.
• Forgetfulness, confusion, inability to concentrate.
• Recurrent sore throat.
• Headaches.
• Long lasting malaise following physical exertion.
• Symptoms that persist for six months and result in substantial reduction of activities.
WHAT IS CHRONIC FATIIGUE SYNDROME
Chronic fatigue syndrome; or CFS also known as chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), chronic Epstein Barr virus (CEBV), and magic encephalomyelitis (ME) first came to public attention in the mid 1980s. it primarily strike young urban professionals, with Caucasian women under the age of 45 accounting for 80 percent of cases; however, all segments of the population, including children, are susceptible. CFS is characterized by overwhelming fatigue and other flulike symptoms, but it is not contagious. Typically, the onset is sudden and debilitating. The exhaustion felt by CFS suffers doesn’t result from overexertion and isn’t alleviated by rest or medications; indeed, it tends to become worse over time. CFS is not progressive degenerative or fatal disease, although it may linger one or more years. The symptoms wax and wane and often become disabling before improving, but the vast majority people do eventually recuperate.
CAUSES
The cause of CFS is not known, but researchers are investigating a variety of possibilities. For example, CFS may be autoimmune disease that results from a combination of viruses, allergies, and hormonal imbalances. One theory holds that excessive reliance on antibiotics or long term exposure to pesticides or chemical toxins may be at fault. Studies also suggest a dysfunction of the immune system. In addition, some scientist are studying enter viruses such as polio; human herpes viruses; and the recently discovered retroviruses such as HIV, although there is no link between CFS and HIV or AIDS. Others see link between CFS and chronic yeast infections. Current theory holds that CFS may develop when an opportunistic virus or other agent invades the body at time is already suppressed. Factors that might contribute to this state include physical, emotional, or environmental stress, or combination of three. Although many people, including some physicians, are skeptical and believe that CFS is psychological rather than physiological, research shows that CFS suffers have disturbance in immunological functioning that make their unable either to eradicate invading viruses previously dormant in their system. The Epstein Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis, was once viewed as the cause of CFS but is now known to be an unrelated problem.
DIAGNOSTIC AND TEST PROCEDURES
Your doctor will take your medical history, perform a physical exam, and do a complete blood count to rule out other disorders that share symptoms with CFS, such as HIV, mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and depression. You may also be given an antinuclear antibody test for arthritis, lupus, and other connective tissue disease. Your thyroid function may be tested to check for an underactive thyroid. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test will show elevated readings if there is any inflammation in your body. Once other possibility have been ruled out, your doctor will apply specific guidelines set forth by the center for disease control and prevention to determine whether you have CFS. Your symptoms must have been present for at least six months and must meet these guidelines for the diagnosis to be definitive.
TREATMENT
Given that the cause of CFS is unknown, treatment is restricted is relief of symptoms. A number of conventional and alternative therapies can help you weather the course of the disease.
CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE
An often recommended first step with chronic fatigue syndrome is to maintain general good health while avoiding situation that are physically or psychologically stressful, and to balance rest or non-vigorous exercise. The flulike symptoms of CFS can be temporarily alleviated with a variety of medicines. Your doctor may prescribe a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin to counteract your low grade fever, headaches, and joint or muscle soreness. Low doses of monoamine oxides (MAO) inhibitors, fluoxetine, or tricyclic antidepressants have improved patients quality of sleep and helped relieve both fatigue and muscle pain. Study have shown varying degrees of success in treating other CFS symptoms with intravenous injections of gammaglobulin, an age old blood derivative product. And some doctors are attempting to modulate the immune system with histamine H2 blockers such as cimetidine and ranitidine, although this form of treatment is still considered experimental. Sensitivity to a chemical, pesticide, household cleaning product, or another potential environmental toxin may also be contributing to CFS. Try eliminating suspected items, then reintroducing them one by one, to pinpoint what may be causing your symptoms. If you discover that a special sensitivity is your problem, you also might want to consider asking your pharmacist to use preservative free dilutions in preparing any medications you may be taking.
ALTERNATIVE CHOICES
A number of alternative therapies can help control the various symptoms of CFS. But be sure to check with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis before embarking on a course of treatment.
ACCUPRESSURE
Applying gentle pressure to the gallbladder points may help relieve fatigue and depression while strengthening your immune system. See the Appendix for help in locating the points on your shoulders and neck known as Gall Bladder 20 and Gall Bladder 21. This sequence can be repeated one or more times a day. Or whenever CFS symptoms appear. Pregnant women should be careful to press Gall Bladder 21 lightly.
ACCUPUNCTURE
An acupuncturist may undertake a series of treatment to attempt to normalize and balance the immune system. In Chinese medicine, enhancing vital energy, nourishing the blood, and strengthening the spirit can be part of therapeutic strategy.
CHINESE HERBS
A commercially prepared mixture called the Astragal us ten formula combines Asian ginseng, liquorice, astragals, and other herbs in powder or tablet form. Anecdotal reports describe improvement among CFS patients after taking this formula regularly.
HERBAL THERAPIES
Goldenseal has been shown to increase white blood cell activity in some tests. Echinacea. And shiitake mushrooms contain oligosaccharides, known to be extremely potent immune stimulators; take in moderate doses only, as advised by a qualified herbalist. Liquorice is said to have antiviral properties. Silymarin, a component of milk thistle, may help with the liver problems that sometimes affect people with CFS. German chamomile, burdock, yarrow, and Asian ginseng are all said to stimulate immune activity and may be beneficial to CFS suffers it taken regularly. Consult a qualified herbalist for more specific guidelines.
HOMEOPATHY
Some homeopathic practitioner has reported success in treating the symptoms of CFS. As with all chronic ailments, its best to seek the advice of a homeopathic physicians or specialist who can accurately diagnose and treat the specific symptoms of your particular case.
MIND/BODY MEDICINE
Meditation, progressive relaxation, guided imagery, qigong, and yoga are techniques that may help alleviate CFS symptoms without being tiring. In fact, they may provide you with additional energy because they reduce stress.
NUTRITION AND DIET
One theory holds that a nutritional deficiency may be a contributing factor causing CFS, so it’s important to maintain a helpful diet. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar, white flour, salt, and fried, preserved, high fat foods in favour of whole grains, beans, rice, fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Add edible seaweeds, shiitake mushrooms, liquorice to your diet. Eating two cloves of garlic a day may help boost your immune system’s antiviral and antibacterial activity. When garlic is crush or sliced, a sulphur compound called alliin is converted into allicin, which some people have a difficult time tolerating. If you can’t digest fresh garlic, you might want to try one of the commercially prepared aged garlic extract tablets that are available. Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B12 are nutritional supplements that may lesson symptoms. Some evidence suggests that a combination of malice acid and magnesium may help relieve fatigue and muscle pain. Egg lecithin taken with meals may enhance immunity and promote energy. Other immune system enhancing vitamin includes vitamin C and beta carotene, which is also a natural antioxidant. Vitamin B5, and B6, zinc, selenium, manganese, and chromium all play a role in strengthening the immune system as well. The amino acid tryptophan, found in various foods, may be helpful for some symptoms, and since it helps the body produce serotonin, a natural sedative, it may aid in sleep. However, don’t take it in supplement form if you have high blood pressure or are taking antidepressants. When a food that you are allergic to enters your body, your immune system views it as an invader, like a virus or bacterium, and attacks it by overabundance of these antibodies, in conjunction with the release of histamines and other body chemicals, results in such symptoms as increase mucus production, tissue swelling, headache, sore throat, and sometimes mental confusion. The simplest way to figure out which food or foods are to be blame is to try an elimination diet: for a week or two, stop eating things you think may be causing an allergic reaction. Typical culprits include dairy products, nuts, egg, shellfish, and preservative in prepared food, but other food can also be the source of your problems. You will have determined at least one of the foods to which you are sensitive and can then eliminate it in all its variations from your diet.
AT HOME REMEDIES
Make sure you don’t attempt more activity during the day than you can handle. Get plenty of rest, pay close attention to your diet, and exercise lightly on a regular basis.
PREVENTION
Because no one knows what causes CFS, there is no way to prevent it. However, you may be able to avoid any worsening of symptoms by strengthening your immune system with vitamins, a proper diet, mild exercise, avoiding environmental toxins, and keeping any allergies you may have under control. You might also want to consider experimenting with various alternative therapies to determine which one works best for you.
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