The main cause of chronic fatigue
Fatigue is a general complaint and can deplete our body's energy reserves. Chronic fatigue is one of the most common complaints today, not only among elderly people but also among young people working in stressful jobs.
There are solutions to help cope with chronic fatigue. Among the main causes of chronic fatigue are depression, anemia, hypothyroidism, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, premenstrual syndrome, menopause, allergies, chronic intestinal dysfunction, chronic constipation, excessive gas, fungal infections, neck problems, sleep disorders, and sleep apnea.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a clinical picture whose definition is not yet definitive. Patients' main complaint is fatigue and weakness. Chronic fatigue is a condition that lasts longer and progresses more severely than fatigue related to physical activity. The diagnosis of CFS depends on certain criteria. The unchanging symptom is a state of fatigue that constantly recurs and does not resolve despite bed rest. If the exact cause of CFS cannot be determined and it has continued for as long as six months, this may stem from a very significant underlying condition. This situation absolutely needs to be investigated in detail. It is also important that the severe and unbearable state of fatigue does not resolve with rest, and that it has no relation to any physical activity or effort. CFS leads to a decrease in work, social performance, and personal activities in affected individuals.
One of the important criteria for CFS is that this clinical picture frequently recurs. The second important basic criterion is that such a severe state of fatigue cannot be attributed to any cause, including ongoing mental and psychiatric illnesses.
Neurological and mental symptoms are very common in CFS. The most important problem caused by CFS is forgetfulness. In many patients, problems such as inability to easily do calculations with numbers, inability to recall words, and inability to retain what they have read are at the forefront. CFS leads to a decrease in comprehension and attention span, and after a while, to intense confusion of thought and quick irritability. It is often difficult to distinguish CFS from classic depression presentations.
There are many publications indicating that certain viruses in particular play a role in the formation of this syndrome. Recent studies have also found that CFS has increased significantly in those who have had Covid-19. Working in excessively dark and dim light, being in a constantly noisy environment, and working in a cold or hot place can also be causes of fatigue.
Diagnosing CFS requires a careful physical examination, a meticulous patient evaluation, and a very detailed laboratory workup. In CFS, a detailed evaluation of the thyroid — first and foremost — as well as cortisol, sex hormones, vitamin B12, folic acid, selenium, ferritin, the patient's cellular immune status, magnesium, and, in addition, a detailed stool analysis are necessary.
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