Chronic Fatigue Syndrome CFS Symptoms
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Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome CFS
Symptoms of CFS may occur suddenly after you have a Common Cold , Bronchitis , hepatitis, or an intestinal infection. Symptoms may follow a bout of infectious Mononucleosis (mono), which is caused by a virus that temporarily saps your energy. CFS can also begin after a period of high stress. Sometimes it develops more gradually, with no clear illness or other event noted as a starting point.
Unlike flu symptoms that usually go away in a few days or weeks, symptoms of CFS persist or recur in cycles for at least six months in 50% of time. CFS symptoms vary from person to person. Since 1994, the guidelines for diagnosing CFS include, in addition to a six-month history of fatigue that is not relieved with bed rest, at least four of the following eight symptoms:
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain without swelling or redness
- Headaches
- Trouble with short-tern memory or concentration, forgetfulness, or confusion
- Sore throat
- Tender lymph nodes
- Trouble sleeping or not feeling rested after sleep
- Worsening symptoms 24 hours or more after exercise
In addition to the eight diagnostic symptoms, patients with CFS can also suffer from:
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Chronic mononucleosis
- Fibromyalgia syndrome
- Low blood pressure
- Sensitivity to many chemicals
