Black cohosh – Benefits and Side Effects

Black cohosh – Benefits and Side Effects
Black cohosh also known as Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa is a perennial plant most commonly found in North America. It is a smooth herbaceous plant and produces compound leaves from its underground stem (also known as rhizome). Medicinal extracts are obtained from its roots and rhizome. This plant is said to have anti-inflammatory properties. At the same time it also used as an analgesic or sedative. In historical days blach cohosh has been used by the Natives of America to treat gynaecological disorders. Its medicinal properties are so versatile that it has also been used to cure sore throat, kidney disorders or even depression. Later in 1840’s it has also been used to cure rheumatism, nervous disorders and lactation.

Benefits

The use of black cohosh has changed a great deal over the period of time. In present days it is mainly used for the following:

• It is used to moderate the effects of menopause. It is said to have estrogenic properties and is taken in by women undergoing menopause. Since it is a mild sedative and also has anti- inflammatory properties, it helps in case of hot flashes. It is also helpful with other menopausal symptoms such as headaches, vaginal dryness, heart palpitations and even mood changes.


• Though it has no scientific support right now but black cohosh has also been reported to be used by women in order to regulate periods and ease out intensity of PMS symptoms.


• It is also used to induce labor pains.


• It is sometimes also used to bring relief from arthritis pain and lower blood pressure.

Black cohosh should be taken only under a doctor’s prescription. The amount of dose taken plays great importance. The doctor can prescribe the dosage as per patient’s requirement. As a revealed in studies if more than 950 milligrams of black cohosh is consumed in a day, it is considered as over dosage and is bound to have side effects. At the same time doctors also suggest that black cohosh should not be used for prolonged times. At a time it should not be taken in for more than six months.

Black cohosh can only be taken in form of tablets or solution. There are no food products that can act as natural sources of black cohosh. Also it should be taken only by adults above 18 years of age. It may have severe side effects on children.

Side effects of Black Cohosh

Like every other thing black cohosh too has its benefits as well as side effects. Some of the side effects of black cohosh consumption are as follows:

• Over dose of black cohosh may cause headaches and upset stomach. It may also result in vaginal bleeding or spotting or nauseated feeling. Very prolonged use may also result in gain of weight.


• It is also associated with liver damage. Though there are still not any proven facts or reports to support the same. But many experts have raised their concerns that black cohosh may lead to liver damage. So people who take regular intake of such medicines should remain aware and constantly look for any signs of liver damage, so that it may be cured at an early stage, if at all such a situation occurs.


• Women who are pregnant should avoid taking black cohosh. Though it is taken to induce labor pains but if taken in early months of pregnancy it increases the risk of miscarriage.


• Also, women suffering with breast cancer should not take medicines prepared from this herbaceous plant. Studies have reported that it may worsen existing breast cancer.


• Black cohosh is said to have characteristics like that of female hormone estrogen. And it produces same effect as this hormone. So it is very important that its intake be avoided in all diseases or conditions that may be affected by female hormone. Such diseases may include ovarian cancer or cancer of the uterus, fibroids and endometriosis.


• People who have protein S deficiency should particularly avoid black cohosh. This is because this deficiency is characterised by blood clots formation, and since black cohosh has hormone like affect it may increase the possibility of blood clots formation.

As we can see black cohosh can be both beneficial as well as harmful. It is very important that it is taken in only under supervision of doctor. Also, because its dose plays a very important role in the slight difference that is there between effect and side effect. The usage for medicinal purpose has changed a lot over the time from historic days till present and its further usage is still under research. The greatest question that lays ahead the scientists at present is how it behaves so similar to female hormone estrogens, and the studies are still under progress to solve the mystery.

Black Cohosh Pictures

Hernia in Women

Hernia in Women
Hernia in women is not generally heard of or talked about. As a general rule it is considered to be a manly thing since it is associated with heavy lifting and such bodily activities.  Women form only 9% of those diagnosed. Whereas the truth is that a women is equally likely prone to hernia as a man is. Still the female count diagnosed with this disease is so less. It could be because they are too embarrassed to see a doctor or the hernia is hidden. Hernia in women is generally very small and the bulge is not as obviously visible as in men.

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Causes of hernia in women

A hernia is essentially a bulge or protrusion of tissue through a membrane or hole. It is also known as rupture. When the membrane of a body part grows weak it may develop a hole or rupture and tissues may penetrate out through this opening. Sometimes it may not be visible on external surface and may appear as bulge on the skin, for example slight bulges near the belly button. This is more commonly a defect in the abdominal wall as compared to other body organs.

Hernias can be very painful but at the same time not all hernia cause pain. At times the patient might not even be aware of its presence whereas at other times the patient may undergo excruciating pain. Since they are commonly found in the abdominal area, it is recommended that severe pain in abdomen should never be taken lightly or ignored. It will be wise to refer a doctor in such case and get yourself tested for the presence of hernia. Studies suggest that most of the times women suffering with pelvic pain might be diagnosed with having ovarian cyst or fibroids when they were actually having a hidden hernia. Some doctors may wrongly suggest an ultrasound or other such tests but as a matter of fact MRI is the only sure test to detect its presence. Once it is diagnosed it can be treated effectively, the pain will also vanish away and you will not have to live with it as a part of your body anymore.

Symptoms of hernia in women

The most common symptoms of hernia in women are:

• A sudden tearing sensation felt in the groin or belly button.


• A bulge or swelling that may come and go with severe, slight or even no pain at all.


• When lifting something, coughing or sneezing, pain may be felt.


• Also pelvic pain for a very prolonged time may be indicative of hernia.

Types of hernia in women

The different kinds of hernia that can be commonly found in women are:

Ventral hernia: Ventral hernia is also referred to as incisional hernia. It is one of the most common hernias since a female undergoes several surgeries as compared to a man and that too at comparatively younger ages. They may appear in areas you have undergone surgery as small or large bulge. They might occur after a week of surgery or even years after the surgery took place.

Femoral Hernia:  Femoral hernia is a rare hernia and occurs exclusively amongst women. This kind is generally experienced after pregnancy or child birth. A part of intestine may protrude through the lower groin into the femoral canal due to weakening of the wall. The femoral canal is a space near femoral vein. Femoral vein is responsible for carrying blood from legs to heart. This kind of hernia may grow to be very complex and complicated. Hence it is advised that they be treated as soon as detected without waste of time.

Treatment

As an initial attempt every doctor aims at pushing back the hernia by means of medicines if it is possible. But in most cases surgery is the easiest way out and most permanent solution of hernia. The surgery can be open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. In open surgery there is a large incision or cut at the affected area where as in case of laparoscopic surgery only a small incision is made and surgery is performed by help of special cameras and instruments. In both kinds of surgeries the doctor puts back the protrusion or bulge and then in order to support the weakened wall a synthetic mesh is fixed to the muscles. This synthetic mesh provides additional strength to the membrane.

A major factor for hernia is age and genetic propensity and nothing much can be done about that. But still as a precautionary measure you may consider to include fibrous content in your diet. This will help in easy bowel movements and prevent constipation which in the long run may cause. Being overweight increases the risk of hernia. So it is advisable to keep a strict eye on your weight. Also, avoid smoking, because it may cause coughing and prolonged cough may lead to hernia. At the same time avoid heavy lifting.

 Hernia Pictures

Intertrigo

Intertrigo
Intertrigo is an infection of the skin. It is an inflamed state of the skin in which rashes may be found in skin folds and places where moisture might be retained by the body. It may be a bacterial or fungal infection or even viral infection that develops at skin areas like inner thighs and belly, behind the ears, armpits, under the breasts and genitals. These body parts generally remain moist and warm and provide perfect environment for the bacteria and fungus to grow potentially.  It appears like rash, the infected area may be reddish and suffer with severe itching, and it may also be accompanied by foul odor sometimes.

Generally, this is a simple dermatological state characterized by rashes, itching and burning sensation. But the situation can be complicated by presence of microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, fungi and virus or an allergy to some medication.

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Intertrigo causes

There can be several reasons that may cause intertrigo. But primarily each cause leads to accumulation of moisture in skin folds. Some of the causes are:

Environmental changes: A change in the temperature and humidity in environment also affects a body’s reaction to the change. If humidity and heat increases it would also mean more sweat and more sweat would mean greater chances on developing intertrigo.

Body work out: Rigorous body activities like bicycling, running and spending hours working out in gym, etc may also cause intertrigo. It is because all of these activities release lots of moisture from body which may easily accumulate in between skin layers and hence the result.

Obesity: Obesity itself would not cause intertrigo. But if a person has those large folds of skin due to excessive weight gain it may result into a state of skin inflammation.

Even people who have to wear artificial limbs or use braces or splints might also experience this skin problem. It is because these instruments may trap moisture in between the body part and the instrument and again lead to development of inflammation causing bacteria and fungi.

Diagnosis and Treatment

This disease is very easy to be diagnosed. A medical professional may easily identify Intertrigo. The doctor may also recommend skin biopsy for the confirmation of the same. Also, you may have to undergo KOH examination for the possibility of fungal infection or Wood’s lamp test for bacterial infection. The treatment would generally involve removing the conditions that have led to development of intertrigo. But if the skin state is very complicated the doctor may also suggest applying ointment and creams over the affected area. The creams would basically be antibiotic and antifungal creams or steroid creams of a lower dose and strength. The infected area may first be applied with steroid cream and then ointment or paste like zinc oxide paste and desitin will be applied on it.

Prevention

It is always said that prevention is better than cure. So it is with Intertrigo. If one can take care of a few simple things one will not have to suffer with this skin problem. The first and foremost requirement is to keep your skin layer clean and hygienic. Take shower daily and keep your skin completely dried. Unhygienic places are most suitable for growth of harmful microorganisms. Also, keep your skin dry. Make sure that you do not let sweat or moisture accumulate in places like armpits, thighs, behind the ears and under the breasts. Even if you go for a tough gym session or bicycling or any such activity involving physical work out, it is necessary that you keep a good towel handy all the time. It shall help you wipe off the moisture before it can create any bodily issues.

You must also wear loose clothes. It has been observed that people who wear lose clothing are less prone to developing this problem. If you are heading towards obesity, then it is time to put a check on it right away. Take care of your diet and make sure that you keep your body fit and fine. Do all that you can to lose the extra weight because not only is obesity one of the reasons for Intertrigo but also leads to many more diseases.  Also, in case of infants it important to change their diapers at regular and required intervals so that your baby does not have to suffer with rashes caused due to diapers.

Intertrigo is not a very dangerous or severe disease in itself. But if not taken proper care of it may be very painful and hurtful to the sufferer. If you notice any rashes over your skin, it is suggested that you first make use of all home care tips and do everything to keep your body clean and dry. But if the state exists for more than a week its always wise to refer to a doctor.

Intertrigo pictures

Tailbone Pain During Pregnancy

Tailbone Pain During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful phases of a female’s life. It is a phase that every woman looks forward to. How wonderful it is to feel a life growing inside, to nurture it and build a world for it where no fear can touch that little gift of God. But as it is rightly said no gains without pains; the same it is with pregnancy. A woman has to go through so many painful moments during the course of nine months and one of these and a very prolonged one at that,  is the pain in the tailbone.

‘Tailbone pain’ also known as coccyx pain mainly occurs at the end of third trimester of pregnancy; very near to the child birth. Though one may also experience tailbone pain at any stage of pregnancy, be it the first trimester, second trimester or third trimester. There are different reasons for tailbone pain during different trimesters.

Tailbone pain during pregnancy and its effects on various trimesters

During the first trimester, a female body releases hormones known as relaxin and estrogen. These hormones are responsible for relaxing the ligaments in the pelvic area. This is done because the muscles perceive the coming of a baby and so they shift around to make space for it in the abdominal area. But this process also causes the coccyx to shift more than it generally would, which results in pain in the tailbone.

In the second and third trimester, tailbone pain is caused due to the developing baby. As the baby develops it needs more space. Since tailbone lies just behind the uterus, baby’s head presses against mother’s tailbone. The pressure leads to pain in tailbone. This pain only worsens as the pregnancy proceeds.

Sometimes tailbone pain can be as painful as a broken or bruised tailbone. If you are suffering with constipation or lower back injury, pain gets all the more intensified. During the later months of pregnancy even sneezing and coughing may cause coccyx to pain. Walking, running, cycling, sitting for too long, standing for too long all of these may trigger tailbone pain.

Treatment and relief tips

As according to the doctors it is impossible to completely get rid of tailbone pain, while it will gradually disappear after pregnancy. But there are certain things that will help you ease out the pain.

• Change positions: you must never sit for too long nor stand for too long. If you have been standing for long or sitting for long doing the opposite will help relax pain.


• Prenatal yoga: You may go for yoga exercises. Yoga helps in developing the elasticity of body and will also help your body accustom to the change easily.


• Coccyx pillows: Many females use coccyx pillows or inflated tubes and have reported that it helps them relieve pain to a very considerable extent.


• Painkillers: If the pain gets too intolerable you may also take some very mild painkillers but only under observation of your doctor. Never go for painkillers or medicines without consulting your doctor.

Apart from above remedies applying heat pads or ice pads may also soothe the pain.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS pertains to a group of blood disorders resulting from the abnormal production of blood cells in the bone marrow.  Sometimes also called bone marrow disorders, MDS is characterized by the imbalance of healthy blood cells in the body.  Persons affected by this condition suffer from fatigue, bruising, bleeding and are more prone to infections.  Though MDS is not cancer, it may develop into acute myeloid leukemia.  This is why it is also referred to as preleukemia. 

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5 Myelodysplastic Syndrome – Life Expectancy and Prognosis 

About Myelodysplastic Syndrome

The bone marrow is responsible for the production of blood cells.  In normal cases, it produces the right quantity, shape, size and function of the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.  But in the case of MDS, the bone marrow is unable to produce healthy blood cells.  In most MDS, the bone marrow is hyperactive, producing more blood cells than normal, but these are immature and cannot function properly.  They die before or immediately after entering the blood stream, thus resulting in low blood cell quantity. 

Causes of Myelodysplastic Syndrome 

Though the root cause for many cases of MDS is unclear, there are several factors that are suspected to contribute to its development.  A combination of these factors could increase the risk of getting MDS. 

• Genetics

A mutation in the gene responsible for controlling the development of blood cells is believed to increase the chances of developing MDS. In addition, medical conditions inherited from the parents are supposed to be contributors as well.  These include congenital neutropenia, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome and Fanconi anemia. 

• Cancer therapy

Chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer could add to the risk of the development of therapy-related MDS or secondary MDS.  Therapy related MDS accounts for about ten percent of the total MDS cases. Some of these drugs are Adriamycin, Cytoxan, Etopophos, Leukeran and Ifex. 

• Exposure to industrial chemicals and tobacco smoke

Long term exposure to hazardous chemicals and tobacco or cigarette smoke increases an individual’s risk of developing MDS. A good example of highly toxic industrial chemical is benzene. 

• Exposure to radiation

High levels of radiation, such as in radiotherapy during cancer treatment, could contribute the MDS development. 

Signs and Symptoms of Myelodysplastic Syndrome

The signs and symptoms of Myelodysplastic Syndrome greatly vary, depending on the kinds of blood cells affected and the severity of the disease.  Generally, when the condition is in its early stages, it is asymptomatic and could only be found out through blood testing.  As the disease progresses, the hallmark symptoms are one or more of the following: 

• Bleeding and bruising

The sudden appearance of bruises and episodes of bleeding for no clear reason is a manifestation of this condition due to very low levels of platelet in the blood. 

• Anemia

When the number of red blood cells is low, it will lead to anemia which causes paleness, fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath. 

• Frequent infections

Because healthy white blood cells which combat infection are reduced, an individual with MDS is more susceptible to infections.  These infections will also heal slowly and recur.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndrome 

To diagnose MDS, the doctor will assess the symptoms and check the patient’s medical history.  In addition, blood tests to get the blood count and check the blood cells; and bone marrow biopsy to analyze the bone marrow can confirm the condition.

Once Myelodysplastic Syndrome has been confirmed, the treatment strategy will be designed by the doctor based on the type of MDS the patient has and the severity of the condition.  MDS may be addressed using an assortment of treatment methods, ranging from regular monitoring for early stages with mild to no symptoms; to chemotherapy and even stem cell transplant for very severe cases. 

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  Supportive care
  

Supportive treatment plays a major role in the treatment of MDS as it is aimed to prevent and treat infections as well as possible complications. Growth factors and blood transfusions to increase the number of red blood cells and platelets may be needed by those who suffer from anemia and thrombocytopenia. Meanwhile, antibiotics will be prescribed for infections. 

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  Chemotherapy
  

Chemotherapy drugs are administered following a protocol for those with severe MDS to control the increase of blast cells and get the bone marrow to produce healthy blood cells. 

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  Stem cell transplant
  

This is the only method that comes close to curing MDS.  The stem cells that come from a donor will be transplanted.  However, the difficulty lies in finding a well-matched donor, not to mention that the procedure has its risks too.  

Myelodysplastic Syndrome – Life Expectancy and Prognosis 

The prognosis for Myelodysplastic Syndrome differ widely as multiple factors come into play, such as the type of MDS, the severity, the health, as well as the age of the patient.  In general, those who are diagnosed early, who are healthier and younger have better chances.  The median survival ranges from 12 years for the very low risk group, to as short as 9 months for those under the very high risk group.  The risk of developing leukemia is 3% and 84%, respectively. Still, each case is unique and so the outlook differs for every patient.

Spina Bifida – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Pictures, Life Expectancy

Spina Bifida – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Pictures, Life Expectancy
The congenital defect characterized by the incomplete development of the spine is called Spina Bifida.  The term is Latin which means split or cleft spine. This problem occurs in the early stage of pregnancy when the nervous system of the fetus is still developing. The defect arises when the two sides of the fetus’ spine remain open or do not connect with each other, hence, leaving the spinal cord exposed.  The spinal cold may develop abnormally and be subjected to more injury. For this reason, the nerve signals to several parts of the body are affected which leads to abnormal functioning of various organs, muscles and body parts. 

Spina bifida is one on the most common types of neural tube defect. In the US, for instance, the condition is estimated to affect up to 2000 out of four million births annually. It is usually diagnosed before birth and addressed promptly. However, this congenital aberration cannot be cured but the resultant symptoms can be managed and treated.  

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3 What are the signs and symptoms of spina bifida? 

4 Spina Bifida Treatment

5 What is the prognosis and life expectancy of individuals with spina bifida? 

6 Spina Bifida Pictures

What are the causes of Spina Bifida? 

The root cause for the incomplete development of the spine is still unclear. Nevertheless, several contributing factors are suspected, including heredity, environment and nutrition. The role of folic acid is believed to be important in the proper formation of the neural tube. A woman who does not take in enough folic acid before and during pregnancy is at higher risk of giving birth to a child with neural tube defects such as spina bifida. This is the reason why women who are expecting are prescribed with folic acid supplements.  

What are the types of Spina Bifida? 

Spina Bifida can take on several forms, namely spina bifida manifesta, spina bifida occulta and close neural tube defects.

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   Spina bifida manifesta
  

This is the more severe form of the condition which can be further classified into Meningocele and Myelomeningocele. From the name alone, we could deduce that Meningocele is a problem with the membrane that covers the spinal cord and brain called the meninges. Meningocele pertains to the sac that results when the meninges pass through the gap in spine.

Meanwhile, Myelomeningocele arises when both the meninges and the spinal cord pushes through the hole in the vertebrae. Children born with this condition suffer from paralysis, the severity and extent of which depend on where the opening in the vertebrae is located.

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   Spina bifida occulta
  

This condition is so called because the defect is hidden and covered by skin. It is the least severe type of spina bifida since most of those affected do not exhibit major health problems and the spinal cord is typically unharmed. Affecting between 10% and 20% of the population, this is the most common form of spina bifida.

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  Close neural tube defects
  

These refer to forms of spinal defects characterized by the malformation of membrane, bone or fat in the spinal cord.  The symptoms range from nonexistent to severe malfunctioning of the urinary and bowel, as well as partial paralysis. 

What are the signs and symptoms of spina bifida? 

Depending on the form of spina bifida, the symptoms vary from one case to another. Those with occulta will not have noticeable physical marks, except for some cases where a birthmark, dimple or hair patch is visible on the lower back over the spine. On the other hand, babies born with meningocele or myelomeningocele have fluid-filled sacs that protrude at the back which may or may not be covered by a thin skin layer. The size of the sac ranges from small to very big. The spinal cord nerves may also be exposed. 

Some of the symptoms of include the following:

• numbness in the lower part of the body


• partial paralysis of the legs and lower body


• urinary and fecal incontinence


• problems in penile erection and ejaculation


• learning disabilities


• spinal deformities


• hydrocephalus 

Spina Bifida Treatment

The treatment largely depends on the type of spina bifida as well as the severity of symptoms. Generally, babies affected by occulta do not require treatment. Those with meningocele need to have surgery to put the meninges in its proper place and seal the gap in the spinal column. Infants diagnosed with myelomeningocele must also have immediate operation to place the spinal cord back into the vertebrae, close the gap and protect it from infection. 

In addition, the following may be needed to treat spina bifida:

• shunt insertion (for hydrocephalus)


• use of mobility aids


• bladder surgery


• orthopedic surgery


• constant monitoring of the spine, bladder and kidney functioning.

What is the prognosis and life expectancy of individuals with spina bifida? 

In the past, the prognosis for spina bifida cases was not good. But the advances in treatment methods had improved the outlook of children with this condition. It is estimated that about ninety percent reach adulthood, with a number even reaching 60s. However, further studies still need to be conducted to solidify these figures.

Spina Bifida Pictures

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS is an unexplainable disorder marked by severe fatigue. The affected individuals find that their extreme tiredness does not get better with rest and lasts for around 6 months or more. People with CFS face difficulties in concentration and memory, and discover that their condition gets worse with mental and physical activity.

The treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome is primarily intended to relieve the symptoms. Treatment could be a combination of medication and therapy, depending on the specific needs of the affected individual. He or she may need to undergo various diagnostic tests to discount other medical conditions that show the same symptoms.

Occurrence of CFS

The exact number of people affected by CFS is difficult to determine because the affected individuals may not know that they are suffering from it, thereby the condition often goes undiagnosed. The syndrome is estimated to affect around 2 out of 1,000 Americans, of which most are women. This could be because women are more inclined to discuss their symptoms with their doctors than men. In addition, CFS is also common among middle-aged individuals who are 40 to 50 years old; although it is also seen among adolescents. CFS tends to be frequent among people who are living sedentary and stressful lifestyles.

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Experts are still in the dark as to the cause of CFS but they believe that it does not occur due to a single factor. More often, CFS occurs due to a combination of several factors. The condition is more likely to affect individuals who have the following risk factors.

• Compromised immunity

People affected by CFS tend to have compromised immunity, though experts are still studying its connection to CFS. 

• Hormonal imbalances

There are also times when the hormones produced by the adrenal and pituitary glands of the affected individuals become abnormal, and experts are studying how this influences the development of CFS. 

• Viral infections

Experts are studying which type of viruses may trigger CFS as some patients have the disorder after bouts of viral infections. Viruses such as mouse leukemia and Epstein-Barr are thought to cause CFS.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The following are the distinctive symptoms of CFS.

• Fatigue

This is the main symptom of CFS which is difficult to explain, lasting for several months to years. The onset of the syndrome typically occurs following an episode of infection. 

• Depression

People affected by CFS are often depressed due to the lack of ability to do even the most basic job at home or at work. 

• Poor memory and concentration

Affected individuals find it hard to remember some conversational words. 

• Extreme exhaustion

This is often felt after performing even the lightest activity, and lasts up to 24 hours.

People with CFS also have persistent spells of unexplained muscle aches, headaches, fever and sore throats. Some people also notice inflamed lymph nodes on their armpits and neck. A visit to the doctor is highly recommended upon experiencing chronic fatigue to rule out any medical disorder.

Effects of delaying the diagnosis and treatment of CFS

Chronic fatigue syndrome could severely affect the overall quality of life of the person. The disorder may force the individual to make frequent work absences. He or she may also avoid socializing with others due to depression. And because the disorder prevents the individual from doing even the simplest activity, he or she may have to deal with huge lifestyle restrictions.

 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis

There is no specific test to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome due to the similarity of its symptoms to other health problems. Diagnosing CFS involves ruling out other medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms such as fibromyalgia, severe obesity, depressive disorders, sleep disorders, multiple sclerosis, lupus, Lyme disease and mononucleosis.

The side effects of some drugs also resemble CFS symptoms, so the doctor needs a detailed history of the patient’s medical, mental and physical condition. A patient will only be diagnosed with CFS if he or she meets the following CFS criteria:

• Persistent and unexplained fatigue that does not alleviate with rest and lasts for about 6 months or more.


• Experiences any four of the CFS symptoms for 6 months or more such as muscle pain, recurring sore throat, inflamed lymph nodes, persistent headaches, impaired mental concentration and memory and prolonged exhaustion after mental or physical activity.

Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The treatment for CFS helps the patient manage the symptoms, therefore improving the quality of life. It is individually designed to facilitate the specific needs of the patient, depending on the degree of the symptoms. Taking drugs such as sleeping pills and antidepressants may be necessitated to treat the condition. Moreover, therapy made up of graded exercises and psychological counseling also proves effective.

Chronic fatigue syndrome can severely affect the overall quality of life of the patient, and so learning how to manage the symptoms will help the individual deal with the restrictions imposed by CFS.