Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that causes severe,
unrelenting fatigue that interferes with a person's daily activities. The
fatigue is not the result of exertion and it is not relieved by rest.
The cause of CFS is unknown.
Symptoms of CFS include fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty
concentrating and thinking clearly, memory problems, fever, headaches, muscle
and joint pain, sore throat, and tender glands in the neck or armpits. Normal
activity and light exertion cause tiredness and malaise that usually last
longer than 24 hours.
Physical examinations and laboratory tests are done to rule out
other causes of the symptoms. Because there is no test that can identify CFS,
it can be diagnosed only by ruling out all other conditions.
Treatment for CFS is directed at relieving fatigue and other
symptoms enough for a person to function normally and gradually return to his
or her previous level of activity. Home treatment is a very important part of
treating CFS. Diet, exercise, and good sleep habits can often help relieve and
control symptoms. Many people with CFS find that their symptoms improve over
time, allowing them to return to near normal activity within 1 to 2
years.
