Chronic Fatigue Syndrom
Chronic fatigue syndrom is a misunderstood, difficult to diagnose illness that primarily affects women over the age of forty. While men are also affected by it, the majority of victims are female, though the reasoning behind this is not currently known. In very rare circumstances, children, teenagers and young adults can be afflicted with chronic fatigue syndrom.
The problem with chronic fatigue syndrom is two fold. First, due to the unfortunate naming of the illness, many people believe that those who suffer from it are inflicted by a made-up mental disease. This is not true. Chronic fatigue syndrom is a very threatening illness that removes the ability to function in a normal atmosphere. As well, the recovery rate for chronic fatigue syndrom victims is notoriously low. Without treatment, the recovery rate is only five percent. With treatments, the rate is increased to over thirty-five percent. However, it is important to realize that the recovery rate is only for those being able to return to a normal lifestyle. At this moment, there is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrom.
The second problem with chronic fatigue syndrom is how it is diagnosed. There is no known single pathongen for chronic fatigue syndrom. In order for it to be diagnosed, a doctor must go through a list of various diseases and illnesses with similar symptom sets and eliminate each one. Only when all of the other possibilities are removed then can chronic fatigue syndrom be properly diagnosed.
Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrom can also prove problematic. If diagnosed, you will need to learn how to properly balance your diet, as well as take medications, to assist in combating the illness. At this time, there is no known cure, just recovery to allow most functionality to be returned. Those who are not recovered are typically unable to work, hampered by the constant strain the illness puts on their bodies. As resting does not relieve the fatigue, this can be devastating on a person.
If you suffer from chronic fatigue syndrom, you will need support from your family, friends and doctors. As well, there are groups for sufferers of this illness, who can share their experiences and what they have done to gain improvement. Clinical studies are also underway to help unravel the mysteries behind chronic fatigue syndrom, in an attempt to help find a cure.
If you suspect that you have chronic fatigue syndrom, you should take the necessary steps to help yourself.