Fatigue
is a funny thing. Sometimes it's a symptom - the body's way
of fighting off a virus or infection and sometimes the ailment itself.
Sometimes fatigue is fueled by not -so-serious factors such as
stress premenstrual syndrome, poor eating habits, lack of
exercise or boredom ; other times , it's stoked by serious
conditions such as cancer or depression, and sometimes it's chronic
fatigue syndrome ( CFS).
People
with CFS feel achy, feverish and exhausted all the time for no apparent
reason. Their symptoms may begin with an illness such as bronchitis,
hepatitis or the flu, or they may surface gradually, occur out of the
blue or afflict someone who is highly stressed.
Experts
believe CFS is caused by a virus or a breakdown of the immune system,
and CFS has been linked with herpes, candidiasis. environmental
illness and HIV. Fatigue is also often confused with, Lyme disease and
multiple sclerosis. But no one knows for sure why it strikes - and no
one has discovered a cure. Doctors simply treat the symptoms - usually
through diet, light exercise and other lifestyle changes that help
reduce stress.
To
determine the origin of prolonged fatigue, Dr, Chiron suggests taking
stock of everything ( other than fatigue) That is bothering you - from a
stressful job or family situation to your diet. Then tackle those
problems and see how you feel. If you remain fatigued, consult
your physician. If you think your fatigue may be linked to an emotional
concern, consider seeking counseling or joining a support
group.
