Fatigue is defined as a state in which a person feels tired and sluggish in their daily life or work life. It is also common to get tired in cases where physical activity or sports are done too much and this situation disappears with the person's rest. However, if a person feels tired even in activities that do not tire him/her too much, this can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome.
The absence of any symptoms or illness and persistent fatigue may indicate this condition. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a psychological disorder that manifests itself with symptoms such as constantly feeling tired despite resting, decreased work efficiency, reluctance, withdrawal from social life and unhappiness. This condition is much more common in women than in men.
What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
This condition can be caused by a number of different diseases. This problem disappears when people who experience fatigue and weakness caused by the disease are treated. Fatigue can also occur as a result of a number of different psychological causes such as prolonged and recurrent stress, insomnia and depression.
What are the Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
In some cases, fatigue is seen only as mild fatigue and lack of energy, while in advanced cases, the person may have difficulty in performing normal daily tasks and may need others to do their work. Chronic fatigue syndrome is fatigue that can last for more than 6 months. When such conditions occur, a number of symptoms are observed in the person. If these symptoms occur, the person should definitely see a specialist. Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are as follows:
- Headache
- Photosensitivity
- Focus problems
- Mental fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Sore throat
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nail breakage
- Hair loss
- Being anxious and restless
- Sleep problems
- Depression and similar psychological problems
Diseases Causing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
People may experience fatigue as a result of the occurrence of certain diseases. These diseases can cause serious problems in a person's life and the person may need support in their life. Some diseases that cause this condition are as follows:
Anemia (Anemia): It is the disease group in which fatigue is most common. If hemoglobin, which transmits oxygen, is deficient, the person may feel tired and sluggish. In case of such situations, the person should definitely see a specialist and be examined. As a result of the necessary examinations, the treatment process is planned and the anemia condition is eliminated and the feeling of fatigue in the person disappears.
Thyroid Diseases: These diseases cause people to feel very tired and weak.
Heart Diseases: One of the most serious symptoms of heart failure is fatigue and weakness. When the amount of oxygen required in the heart is not met, serious fatigue can occur in people.
Infectious Diseases: These diseases, which occur in the body for different reasons, cause fatigue in people.
Metabolic Diseases: In liver and kidney failure, when calcium is high and potassium is low, the decrease in blood salts and minerals in the body is a factor in the occurrence of fatigue. Early treatment of such diseases is very important for the health of the person.
Cancer Some oncological diseases can cause fatigue and can be among the symptoms. Since cancer disrupts the body system of the person, fatigue may occur in the person.
Sleep Problems: Sleep disturbance is one of the most serious problems that reduce a person's quality of life. Sleep apnea is among the most important causes of fatigue. A person who cannot get enough sleep may feel extremely tired for the next day.
Depression and Stress: The second most common cause of fatigue is psychosomatic disorders such as depression. People who are depressed due to psychological reasons and who experience too much stress experience this condition.
Diagnosis and diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome
In order to understand whether the symptoms that occur in the occurrence of this condition are caused by a different disorder, it is necessary to be examined by a specialist and a number of tests should be performed. Patient history is very important for the diagnosis of this condition, as in different diseases. In addition to diseases and disorders, sleep problems and psychological factors can also cause this condition, so it is important to evaluate these possibilities in order to make a definitive diagnosis. The diagnosis of this disease is examined and evaluated by teams of psychiatrists, specialist psychologists and different fields related to this field.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment Methods
The methods used in the treatment of this disease are aimed at improving and eliminating the symptoms of the disease. It is important that the patient is given psychological support during this period and that light-paced exercise practices, which vary from person to person and are specially prepared, are continued. Lifestyle changes and nutrition are also part of the treatment process. Throughout the treatment, the patient should be encouraged and convinced that he/she will recover in a healthy way at every stage. It is aimed to improve the morale and energy of the patient and to eliminate some diseases with exercises.
In this situation, which varies from person to person and where the patient's history is also very important, a number of different treatment methods can be applied. Chronic fatigue syndrome treatment methods according to general health and patient history are as follows:
- Psychotherapy applications
- Supporting applications
- Dietary practices
- Aerobic exercise applications
- Herbal preparations
- Certain medications prescribed by the doctor (Corticosteroids, antidepressants)