Chronic Fatigue

What is Chronic Fatigue?

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (also referred to as Chronic Fatigue) is a complex disorder that affects the lives of an estimated 250,000 Australians. Its debilitating symptoms can make daily life a struggle and its underlying causes remain largely unknown. And with the emergence of Long COVID-19, it has become important to gain greater understanding of this misunderstood disorder. In this article, let’s explore the causes, symptoms and some ways to manage this chronic illness.

Causes

At present, the cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is not yet known but viral infection and stress may be contributing factors.

There is currently no definitive diagnostic test for CFS, and its symptoms can easily be mistaken for those of other illnesses. It is most common in middle-aged women, but anyone can be affected.

Contributing factors to CFS could include stress, viruses, hormonal imbalances and, for some, a genetic predisposition. Risk factors for CFS include age, a family history of the disorder, stress, allergies and environmental factors.

Symptoms

Symptoms of CFS vary between individuals and can range from severe fatigue that does not improve with rest, to post-exertional malaise which can last up to 24 hours after any physical or mental effort. While some people experience cyclical worsening and improvement of their symptoms, others may eventually achieve a complete remission. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the symptoms of CFS.

Help

A Webster Pack Alternative such as SimpleDose is a great starting point to help manage chronic fatigue, as it can contain script medication sorted by dose date and time for all common medications and supplements used to treat the condition. And of course, your GP is the best person to speak with for tailored advice and treatment options.