Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

Currently one of the most controversial disorders, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) often has flu-like symptoms, no apparent cause and no proven cure. Read on to learn the role diet plays in alleviating symptoms of this disorder.

CFS is marked by persistent, debilitating fatigue, as well as other baffling symptoms that include headaches, muscle aches and weakness, tender lymph nodes, sore throat, joint pain, sleep that doesn't lead to feeling refreshed, difficulty concentrating, post-exercise exhaustion that lasts for 24 hours and short-term memory problems. There may also be a chronic or recurring low-grade fever.

There is no laboratory test for CFS, so a doctor must systematically rule out all other medical causes that produce similar symptoms. According to diagnostic criteria set up by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the chronic fatigue and at least eight other non-specific symptoms must persist for at least six months.

Although some claim that CFS is a new disorder (for example, the "yuppie flu" of the 1980s), doctors since the 1800s have reported similar disorders but given them different names, including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), chronic Epstein-Barr virus, myalgic encephalomyelitis and postviral fatigue syndrome. Many theories regarding possible causes have been advanced, but none have been proven. In many cases, CFS develops in the aftermath of a viral illness, such as mononucleosis or the flu, but no single viral cause has been identified. Other possible contributing factors include prolonged stress, hormonal imbalance, low blood pressure (hypotension), allergies, immune system disorders and psychological problems.

Some experts suggest CFS is a group of ailments that share similar symptoms. In any event, it is estimated that more than 500,000 North Americans suffer from the disease. At least two-thirds of the sufferers are white middle-class women. Most CFS patients eventually recover, but it may take a year or more to do so.

Various medications are prescribed to treat CFS symptoms, but none appear to cure the disorder. Aspirin and other painkillers may alleviate headaches, joint pain and muscle soreness, and antidepressant drugs help some patients.

Some doctors ­advocate antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, or injections of gamma globulin, a substance containing antibodies from the blood serum of a number of people, but studies have failed to document their value.