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Chronic Fatigue- What Exactly is Chronic Fatigue

By Hailey Harris

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 07May2008 Word count: 544 Viewed: 138 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Chances are you have heard of Chronic Fatigue but like most people, understanding this condition can be a bit confusing. Over the years, information about Chronic Fatigue has increased with a number of efforts made to educate the public about something very debilitating. Since 1994, experts researching Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have worked hard to define the symptoms so a proper diagnosis would be possible.

The results from years of research include two firm criteria for having Chronic Fatigue.

1.The individual would have for or more of the defined symptoms, which include, difficulty with concentration, sore lymph nodes, joint and muscle pain, swelling within the joints, headache, problems sleeping, sore throat, and fatigue after any type of physical exertion lasting 24 hours or more.

2.A person would have severe symptoms for a minimum of six months, coupled with other diagnoses medical conditions.

The key in diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is that symptoms have to be recurring for six months or longer. Fatigue with this condition is far beyond the normal feeling of being tired that most people experience. With Chronic Fatigue, the level of fatigue is almost unexplainable, as if a wash has come over the person making normal function difficult, if not impossible. In addition to the abovementioned symptoms, people living with Chronic Fatigue have reported several other symptoms. For example, intolerance to alcohol consumption, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, and night sweats are just a few. Additionally, a large number of people suffer from some level of depression simply because the syndrome is so consuming.

Current statistics tell us that approximately one million people in the United States alone struggle with the symptoms associated with Chronic Fatigue. Unfortunately, the number of occurrences is well beyond that of ovarian or lung cancer and MS. Because the numbers continue to rise, significant money has been poured into research to better understand Chronic Fatigue so a cure can be found. Even so, the number of women with Chronic Fatigue is four times greater than with men. In addition, for some reason, this syndrome strikes individuals in their 40s and 50s. While some cases of Chronic Fatigue have been confirmed in children, it is rare although teenagers are at higher risk than the younger children are.

You will also discover that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome does not care about race or ethics, hitting all groups much the same with the exception that the Hispanic and African American populations have the lowest number of diagnosed cases. Interestingly, it is relatively common for more than one member of a family to develop Chronic Fatigue, leading some researchers to think some type of genetic link may factor in. Although tremendous research is still needed to fully understand this condition, we have seen some remarkable advances over the years, providing hope that in the near future, a cure could be developed.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms noted and have concern that you might be living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it is vital that you talk to your doctor for a confirmed diagnosis. Although frustrating, with medical help, you can find relief to live a more normal life. Rather than just deal with the symptoms associated with this condition, you need to take action so you can regain control over your life.

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