What causes CFS?
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeNo one knows for sure what causes CFS. Many people with CFS say it started after an infection, such as a cold or stomach bug. It also can follow a bout of infectious mononucleosis (mono), the “kissing disease” that drains your energy. Some people with CFS say it started after a time of great stress, such as the loss of a loved one or major surgery. It can be hard to figure out if a person has CFS because extreme tiredness is a common symptom of many illnesses.
Related QuestionsFamily Health.Doctors don't know what causes CFS. Sometimes it begins after an illness such as the flu, but there is no proof of any connection. It's likely that a number of factors or triggers come together to cause CFS.Related Questions
FM/CFS/ME RESOURCES - FAQ's About FM/CFS/MEANSWER: The cause of the illness is not yet known. Current theories are looking at the possibilities of neuroendocrine dysfunction, viruses, environmental toxins, genetic predisposition, or a combination of these. For a time it was thought that Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), the cause of mononucleosis, might cause CFS but recent research has discounted this idea.Related Questions
Subject: 1.02 What causes CFS?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome FAQThe cause of the illness is not yet known. Current theories are looking at the possibilities of neuroendocrine dysfunction, viruses, environmental toxins, genetic predisposition, or a combination of these. For a time it was thought that Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), the cause of mononucleosis, might cause CFS but recent research has discounted this idea.
Related QuestionsWhat proof do you have that mold causes CFS?
Mold Warriors: Fighting America's Hidden Threat by Ritchie C...Direct patient care and multiple studies. In my referral practice, I often see people with a prior diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. Many of those patients have an illness that?'s simply caused by mold in their basement, bathroom and/or attic. The problem here is that when a diagnosis of chronic fatigue is made according to CDC guidelines, no biological markers were used and no exposure histories were recorded.
Related QuestionsIs ME/CFS One Illness... Or More?
About Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Post Viral Fat...Those are just a few pages from the large ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome section. To check out the main CFS/ME section, click here!
Related QuestionsIs there a cure for CFS/ME?
About Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Post Viral Fat...As of yet, no universal cure has been found for CFS/ME. But there are medicines, supplements and therapies that seem to have helped some CFS/ME sufferers. Interestingly though, what works for one sufferer may not necessarily work for another. So the key is to read up on what’s available and to consult with your doctor before spending lots of cash on something that may or may not be suitable for you.
Related QuestionsHow is CFS diagnosed?
GWVRP: Document DetailWhen evaluating patients with chronic fatigue of unknown origin, physicians can use the following definition of CFS as a guide. This detailed definition was developed for research use under the leadership of the Centers for Disease Control. It was published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" in March 1988. Because the disease is still poorly understood, however, the outlined criteria should be considered provisional.
Related QuestionsWho are the authorities on CFS?
GWVRP: Document DetailAny clinician *should* be able to diagnose it -- beware of having to "fly away" to an authority who will diagnose and treat CFS.
Related QuestionsWhat are the myths about CFS?
GWVRP: Document DetailThat it is all in your mind; if you would just rest more, you could be well; if you would eliminate some stress, you would be better, etc.
Related QuestionsWhat is the misinformation about CFS?
GWVRP: Document DetailThat it can be cured, prevented, that it causes cancer, AIDS, etc. Solid scientific research should address all avenues and fact, NOT FICTION, should be reported to the public. Also, there is not a good patient data base, thus "hyped" estimates of patients only tend to create panic and threats of an epidemic which have no basis in fact.
Related QuestionsWhat are the signs of CFS?
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeThe signs of CFS can come and go or they can stay with a person. At first, you may feel like you have the flu. As well as extreme tiredness and weakness, CFS symptoms include: Many people with CFS report other symptoms too, ranging from a constant cough to feelings of depression. If you think you may have CFS, talk to your doctor.
Related QuestionsHow is CFS treated?
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeRight now, there is no cure for CFS. But there are things you can do to feel better. Talk to your doctor about ways to ease your symptoms and deal with your tiredness. You might also try these: Try to stop or do less of the things that seem to trigger your tiredness. For a week or two, write down what you do each day and note when you feel really tired. Then, look over this list to find out which activities tend to tire you out.
Related QuestionsWhat can I do to cope with CFS?
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeIt’s normal to feel cranky, sad, angry, or upset when you have an illness like CFS. Here are some things you can do that may help you to feel better: See the "For more information..." section at the end of this FAQ for a list of organizations that can help you cope with CFS. Join a CFS support group. Sometimes it helps to talk with people who are going through the same thing.
Related QuestionsWhat are M.E., CFS, PVFS, and CFIDS?
About Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Post Viral Fat...Sure you can get the clinical and medical definitions - but that doesn't really help much if you want to know what it's really like. So here are a few pages that might help you get to grips with what this illness (or group of illnesses) is really about:
Related QuestionsIs CFS/ME all in the mind? Or is it real?
About Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Post Viral Fat...No it's not all in your mind! There's a whole sub-section dedicated to this, and to the medical scepticism that CFS/ME sufferers are often faced with. I hope you'll find these pages useful:
Related QuestionsWhat about CFS support groups? Are they any good?
GWVRP: Document DetailSupport groups should be just that: "support" -- not treatment. A reputable group will provide only scientific information, but beware of groups holding "sales meetings" for the latest recommended treatment.
Related QuestionsWhat has been the media's role in CFS?
GWVRP: Document DetailThe media has brought awareness to the illness through factual coverage as well as some inaccurate reporting. This is a very difficult disease to understand; even some medical professionals lack understanding of the illness. The media has often referred patients to organizations that can give them educational materials on CFS.
Related QuestionsAre there any good books on CFS?
GWVRP: Document DetailThere are approximately 15 books available on CFS which have been reviewed for medical accuracy and are now available through CHIRI, 3521 Broadway, K.C., MO 64111.
Related QuestionsIs ME/CFS Real - Or Is It Really All In The Mind?
Evidence : Is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Sy...One of the most common questions about this illness is whether Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome is actually real....
Related QuestionsWhat Is CFS/ME?
FM/CFS/ME RESOURCES - FAQ's About FM/CFS/MEANSWER: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME) is persistent debilitating fatigue of recent onset, with greatly reduced physical activity and some combination of muscle weakness, sore throat, mild fever, tender lymph nodes, headaches, and depression, not attributable to any other known causes; it is of controversial etiology.
Related QuestionsWill EPD fix my CFS?
EPD FAQ (Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization FAQ)CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) is a tough nut to crack. A number of EPD Mailing List members report that EPD has not (as yet anyway) been fully effective against CFS. However, EPD has made enough difference in food, inhalant, and chemical side issues to be worthwhile. Even though EPD does not appear to be a CFS cure, it has reportedly been very beneficial at regaining strength and regaining a more normal lifestyle.
Related QuestionsWhat is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeA person with CFS feels completely worn-out and overtired. This extreme tiredness makes it hard to do the daily tasks that most of us do without thinking — like dressing, bathing, or eating. Sleep or rest does not make the tiredness go away. It can be made worse by moving, exercising, or even thinking. CFS can happen over time or come on suddenly. People who get CFS over time get more and more tired over weeks or months.
Related QuestionsHow common is CFS? Who gets it?
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeExperts think as many as half a million Americans have a CFS-like condition. The exact number of people with CFS is not known. CFS can affect people of all ages, racial/ethnic backgrounds, and economic statuses. More women than men are diagnosed with CFS. But, it is not known for sure that this illness affects more women than men. It may be that women talk to their doctors more often about things like tiredness and pain.
Related QuestionsHow would my doctor know if I have CFS?
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeIt can be hard for your doctor to diagnose CFS because there is no lab test for it. And many signs of CFS are also signs of other illnesses or medical treatments. order urine and blood tests, which will tell your doctor if something other than CFS might be causing your symptoms you have 4 or more of the symptoms listed in the section “What are the signs of CFS?” in this FAQ This process can take a long time (even years), so try to be patient with your doctor.
Related QuestionsWhat if I can't work because of CFS?
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeIf you can't work because of CFS, get in touch with the Social Security Administration for help with disability benefits.
Related QuestionsWhat is the latest research on CFS?
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeBoth the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) fund CFS studies. Today, we have a much better understanding of CFS, but researchers are still searching for the cause(s). They also are looking for ways to prevent CFS and for the best ways to ease CFS symptoms. In time, research findings will be used to develop a cure for CFS.
Related QuestionsWhat are the Causes?
Psoriasis Help Organisation - Online ForumCy, JUDGE DREDD, Madtoscratch, Lianne, lutece, SueB, akesingland, riaY, bryndavell, Groovygirl, david_8, SJ, Terrimayormaynot, jjoblogs1, anglichanin, Tom_B, bubble, TrishR, squoink, GATTACA, willy, Roger, margurita_simpson, snowy, beacon, LyndsayA, stripe77, Snow Surfer, lighthearted The material has been extracted from Psoriasis at your fingertips by Dr Tim Mitchell & Rebecca Penzer (Class Publishing).
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