Constantly tired? It could be chronic fatigue

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 5: We live in a fast-paced society, and at times many of us suffer from fatigue.

Students stay up late to study; young professionals put in extra hours at the office; new parents are up day and night; seniors suffer from pain that can make sleeping difficult: there are many reasons we feel tired throughout our lives.

But are you just tired, or could it be something more?

Sometimes exhaustion can make it difficult or impossible to complete daily activities and can affect work, social activities, relationships and general happiness.

It can last not just a few days or weeks, but for months and even years.

When fatigue becomes debilitating and will not go away with proper rest, you could be suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

The condition is difficult to diagnose and its cause is unknown. It is more common in women and most often appears between 25 and 45 years of age.

It can develop suddenly or appear gradually over time.

Some theories suggest CFS is related to the immune system, the nervous system, glands and hormones or family history; others believe it to develop after an infection such as the flu or mononucleosis. Nothing, however, has been proven to be the actual cause of CFS.

The effects of CFS can be devastating.

In addition to extreme fatigue that will not go away with rest, CFS symptoms can include forgetfulness or confusion, a sore throat or fever, tender lymph nodes, muscle or joint pain, headaches different from others previously experienced and feeling ill after exercise.

There is no single test for CFS and a doctor may take some time and many tests to rule out other potential illnesses.

A diagnosis of CFS usually requires that the patient experience extreme fatigue that lasts at least six months, as well as at least four of the above symptoms.

As there is no cure for CFS, the goal of treatment is to make the patient feel better by reducing symptoms.

This will, of course, depend on the symptoms experienced. A change in sleep habits, reduced stress and gentle exercise is a good start for anyone with CFS.

Pain relievers available from the pharmacy, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or aspirin can relieve headaches and muscle and joint pain. There are other medications available by prescription that may be more helpful if these over the counter choices do not work.

Antidepressants may treat depression that can result from CFS, and may also relieve other symptoms including fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating and pain. Different antidepressants, such as Prozac, Paxil (Seroxat), Zoloft and Wellbutrin target different symptoms, so you should discuss your symptoms and possible medications with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you suffer from CFS, or just feel tired from day-to-day life, symptoms can improve with simple lifestyle changes. Get regular, uninterrupted sleep in a quiet, dark room and go to bed and get up at the same time every day.  Lose weight, if needed. Quit smoking if you smoke. Eat a balanced diet low in fat and with plenty of fruits and vegetables, protein, fibre and carbohydrates.  Gradually cut back on caffeine and avoid alcohol, especially before bed. Drink plenty of water and exercise regularly but gently so you don’t feel exhausted.

Rest assured, while CFS cannot be cured, the right treatment can reduce symptoms so that sufferers can live normal, productive, and hopefully restful lives.

• Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. For helpful information, visit Lindo’s at www.lindos.bm.