Chronic Fatigue FAQs
Chronic Fatigue FAQs
Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, causes extreme fatigue that is not related to sleep patterns or other medical causes. Although its underlying cause is unknown and there is no single test for a fast or simple diagnosis, CFS is treatable with the right holistic approach to health. Mitchell Medical Group offers ongoing support and treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome in NYC and Long Island.
How does chronic fatigue affect your life?
Chronic fatigue syndrome can have far-reaching effects on your quality of life. When you are constantly tired, you may find it difficult to attend school or work regularly. Academic and professional performance often drop as a result of tiredness, which can affect your ability to retain information, solve problems, and focus on important tasks. Chronic fatigue syndrome can also affect your personal life, causing you to miss out on important social events and straining your relationships with family and friends. Feeling tired all the time can also lead to depression and other changes in your mood and your mental health.
What is chronic fatigue?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not alleviated by bed rest. Physical or mental activity can worsen the symptoms, which include weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory, and insomnia. Like fibromyalgia, the cause of CFS has not yet been identified, and there is no known cure. Diagnosing CFS is difficult because there is no lab test that definitively indicates the disease. CFS is only diagnosed after ruling out all other possibilities.
What are the Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue?
Though doctors have not yet determined a definitive cause for chronic fatigue, there are several theories. Many people with chronic fatigue start experiencing symptoms after a viral illness or following a major physical or emotional trauma. Exposure to toxins, immune dysfunctions, nutritional deficiencies, genetics, abnormally low blood pressure, and gland or hormone conditions may also be contributing factors.
Chronic fatigue has a broad range of symptoms, which include:
- Extreme physical and/or mental fatigue
- Feeling unwell after being active
- Insomnia
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Memory or concentration problems
- Sensitivity to light, noise, or emotions
- Confusion or disorientation
- Muscle weakness or muscle coordination problems
How is chronic fatigue characterized?
Chronic fatigue is different from normal feelings of fatigue after a busy day, week, or month. If you have suffered from general fatigue that does not improve for six months or more, it may be a sign of chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition often causes other symptoms as well, including achiness, headaches, joint pain, and changes in sleep patterns.
What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome has not been traced back to a single cause. Hormone levels, immune health, chronic inflammation, and dietary factors such as food intolerances and allergies have all been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome onset. Certain viruses and infections may also cause chronic fatigue syndrome. Because there are many potential causes and this disease has many effects throughout the body, it’s important to take a holistic approach to chronic fatigue syndrome treatment. Our complete approach to patient wellness improves general and immune health to eliminate the underlying cause of the condition, rather than simply treating its symptoms alone.
What is the link between chronic fatigue syndrome and Candida?
Candida albicans is a fungus present in the healthy human intestine; however, health changes and even the use of antibiotics can cause the fungus to spread to other organs and systems in the body. Candida overgrowth is associated with several health concerns, including the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. Many individuals who undergo treatment for candida also experience improvement in chronic fatigue.
How to know if you have chronic fatigue?
Since there are no blood tests or lab tests that definitively indicate fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue, these conditions are tricky to diagnose. If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms, visit the professional medical team at Mitchell Medical Group in NYC and Long Island. One of our doctors will complete a thorough exam and run a series of tests to rule out other conditions. These may include routine lab tests like a chemistry panel, blood tests, urinalysis, and thyroid-stimulating tests. Other tests will check for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, Lyme disease, tuberculosis, Hepatitis A, B, or C, or other conditions. If all of these tests come back negative, then you may be formally diagnosed with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue.
Get Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
If you think you may have chronic fatigue syndrome, Dr. Dean Mitchell and Dr. Ricki Mitchell at Mitchell Medical Group can help. Please give us a call at 212-397-0157 to schedule a health evaluation in midtown Manhattan or Rockville Centre, Long Island.