What Has Been Learned About the Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
“The cause or causes of chronic fatigue syndrome remain unknown, despite a vigorous search,” writes the Centers for Disease Control. It’s still plausible that the symptoms result from a combination of factors, including genetic, environmental, stresses and toxins. Currently, it’s believed up to one million Americans suffer from CF symptoms. The only way they can be diagnosed is through a careful assessment of their symptoms and by ruling out other serious illnesses or diseases.
The CDC has several theories on the causes of CFS. One is that acute or constant infections including herpes virus 6 or Epstein-Barr can leave behind residual effects in the anatomy, like fatigue and aches. A research study encompassing four cities was not able to trace CFS back to just one specific human pathogen, although it’s believed that infectious agents might play a part in producing constant fatigue.
The latest research suggests that patients contaminated with Epstein-Barr virus, Ross River virus and Coxiella burnetti will pick up a post-infective disorder that matches the chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms in 12% of instances.
Immunologic dysfunction may be another one of the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome, according to CDC research. There are no particular immune disorders associated exclusively with CFS, but patients sometimes show the presence of self-attacking antibodies similar to that of autoimmune diseases, but without all the tissue damage. Some studies indicate lower levels of natural killer cells and decreased cell activity. Many patients produce inappropriate amounts of cytokines, such as interleukin-1, which affects bone joint degeneration, controls lymphocyte activity and induces a fever. One hypothesis is that chronic infections may lead to increased expression of cytokines and may then eventually lead to CFS.
Finding treatment is often as difficult as finding the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome. Some patients feel better with some lifestyle modifications. They try to eat better, start a regular exercise schedule, steer clear of known stressors and change their sleep habits. Counseling often helps patients find a more positive outlook and identify ways to change their situation. Others try medications for pain relief, depression, anxiety, blood pressure regulation or allergies. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, massage and movement therapy have been treatments recommended by CFS and fibromyalgia doctors as well.
How much do you know about the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome? If you suffer from this condition, you have to educate yourself as much as possible and try to find the treatments that work best for you. You can find the help you need at Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Help.
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