Leon Barretto

May 12th is Chronic Fatigue Awareness Day. The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day highlights how you can support the millions of people who suffer. Blue is the color used to spread awareness. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity but doesn't improve with rest.

Treatment

There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome. Treatment focuses on symptom relief. Moreover, The most disruptive or disabling symptoms should be addressed first.

Fatigue can be a symptom of many illnesses, such as infections or psychological disorders. In general, see your doctor if you have persistent or excessive fatigue.

Some problems associated with chronic fatigue syndrome can be improved with either prescription or over-the-counter medications.

• Depression. Many people with long-term health problems, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, are also depressed. Treating your depression can make it easier for you to cope with the problems associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Orthostatic intolerance. Some particularly adolescents, feel faint or nauseated when they stand or sit upright. Medications to regulate blood pressure or heart rhythms may be helpful.
• Counseling. Talking with a counselor can help build coping skills to deal with chronic illness, address limitations at work or school, and improve family dynamics. It can also be helpful for managing depression.
• Addressing sleep problems. Sleep deprivation can make other symptoms more difficult to deal with. Your doctor might suggest avoiding caffeine or changing your bedtime routine. Sleep apnea can be treated by using a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask while you sleep.
• Exercise. Aggressive exercise regimens often lead to worsened symptoms, but maintaining activities that are tolerated is important to prevent deconditioning.

Causes

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is still unknown. Some people may be born with a predisposition for the disorder, which is then triggered by a combination of factors. Potential triggers include:

• Viral infections. Because some people develop chronic fatigue syndrome after having a viral infection, researchers question whether some viruses might trigger the disorder. No conclusive link has yet been found.
• Immune system problems. The immune systems of people who have chronic fatigue syndrome appear to be impaired slightly, but it's unclear if this impairment is enough to actually cause the disorder.
• Hormonal imbalances. People who have chronic fatigue syndrome also sometimes experience abnormal blood levels of hormones produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary glands, or adrenal glands. But the significance of these abnormalities is still unknown.
• Physical or emotional trauma. Some people report that they experienced an injury, surgery, or significant emotional stress shortly before their symptoms began.

Possible complications include lifestyle restrictions, increased work absences, social isolation, depression. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day helps eliminate the myths and helps strengthen and educate the people.   More details about this syndrome.