There is significant concern about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
also known as CFS. In fact, there are criteria patients must
meet in order to be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Receiving the diagnosis may be difficult for some patients
because the guidelines for diagnosing are very specific. The
fatigue must have been present at least six consecutive months
and the corresponding symptoms must have developed after the
fatigue. A clear definition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, its
symptoms, and treatment options will help sufferers get a
clearer understanding of the syndrome.

What is Chronic Fatigue?
The basic definition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome does not make
sufferers feel much better. The syndrome is unexplained and is
marked by weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, lethargy, trouble
sleeping, and even fever and swollen lymph nodes. There is no
known cause for the fatigue that is present in an individual
that has no relation to over-exertion and is not rectified by
rest.

Symptoms
Some of the symptoms associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
have been discussed. However, there is a very long list. There
are a variety of symptoms that patients are very aware of and
then there are other symptoms only doctors seem to notice.
Regardless, when the symptoms are present for a period of time
for no apparent cause and seem to have no remedy then Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome is a frequent diagnosis.

Some of the frequent symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
include:

- Muscle Aches   
- Persistent Fatigue
- Intermittent Fatigue
- Depression
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Swollen Lymph nodes
- Depression
- Memory Loss
- Weakness
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Achy Joints

Frequently Chronic Fatigue Syndrome begins during periods when
individuals have been sick, under a tremendous amount of
stress, or for no apparent reason at all. Many individuals have
noted that after bouts with the flu, mono, a cold, bronchitis,
hepatitis, and other similar illnesses CFS arises.
Unfortunately, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome persists for months,
sometimes coming and going and other times constantly affecting
the patient. Other illnesses begin to clear up after a few days
or weeks, but Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sticks around with no
clear cause.

Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue
Doctors find it very difficult to diagnose Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome. The reason why is because so many of its symptoms are
symptoms of other illnesses. This is why many doctors like to
see patients with the same symptoms that began after the
fatigue for at least six months before giving a diagnosis.
Obviously, sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome find the lack
of an early diagnosis difficult to bear on top of their
symptoms. However, doctors like to rule out diseases like Lupus
and Multiple Sclerosis, as well as other diseases, before
diagnosing Chronic Fatigue.

Additionally, researchers and doctors are becoming more aware
of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and are more likely to make an
earlier diagnosis based on fewer symptoms than ever before.
That is not to say that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is easy to
diagnose, because it is not. However increased awareness and
new definitions are helping doctors and patients of Chronic
Fatigue each and every day.

Treatment Options
The treatment options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are varied
and include alternative as well as prescription alternatives.

Some of the alternative care management options for Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome include avoiding stress and undertaking light
exercise. Other treatment options that work for some
individuals include massage, aquatic therapy, chiropractic
therapy, yoga, self hypnosis, tai chi, and even acupuncture.
Psychotherapy has also proven helpful to sufferers of Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome because it helps sufferers learn to cope with
their symptoms. 
 
Do You Have CFS?

If you are worried you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or have
some of the above stated symptoms for months on end then you
should make an appointment with your physician. It is a good
idea to keep a journal of your symptoms, when they began, and
if new ones appear. This will help your doctor make the proper
diagnosis and help receive some relief from your symptoms
sooner. 


About The Author: This article is Copyright © 2006, Heather
Colman. Find more chronic fatigue resources at:
http://www.chronic-fatigue-report.info