Constantly Tired: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome, usually abbreviated after its English name CFS, is a worldwide disease. However, the number of unreported cases is very high, as they are often undiagnosed.

It is assumed that the number of infected people in Switzerland will reach 32,000.

The disease can appear suddenly. Women aged 30-40 years are affected more than the average. There is no clear reason.

However, it has been shown that chronic fatigue syndrome often becomes noticeable for the first time after overcoming the virus infection. Pfeiffer glandular fever, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, is often mentioned.

Another name is muscular encephalomyelitis (ME), which refers to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

In fact, it is a systemic disease in which the nervous system, immune system and metabolism interact.

An important feature of the CFS is complete exhaustion, Affected people feel it even after light activities. For example, while most people sit briefly after a walk and regain their fitness again, CFS patients have to go to bed.

but also asleep It does not bring healing. In fact, feelings of fatigue and weakness are often stronger the next day.

In many cases, patients are no longer able to continue their work. A quarter of patients can no longer leave the house.

Because the immune system is involved in CFS, infections occur more frequently than average. This is more severe than other people.

With so many symptoms of chronic fatigue indicative of other conditions, many doctors struggle to make a diagnosis.

Patients often have already gone through a long course of suffering before the disease was diagnosed.

For a long time there was also a belief that she is psychic Depression-like illness and fatigue. Last but not least, those affected suffer from not taking those around them seriously.

Those without CFS usually cannot imagine how tired they are and quickly assume laziness and inattention.

Since the cause of the disease is still unknown, there is also no clear cure.

Doctors can only prescribe pain relievers for symptoms such as headaches, aches and pains, as well as sleeping pills to improve sleep.

Sufferers must discover their own limits. In doing so, they determine, for example, what kind of mental performance they can achieve before total exhaustion occurs.

This can be critical for further employment. Physical activities from shopping to sports should also be researched and customized accordingly.

Over time, this personal upload limit can then be changed in just a few steps. In some cases, patients have benefited from slowly increasing endurance training.

Some feel better after taking the supplements, while others can benefit from accompanying behavioral therapy.

As far as health permits, CFS patients should connect with each other to share experiences. Mutual support can be very beneficial.

The award-winning documentary “Unrest” by American Jennifer Brie is worth watching. She developed CFS at the age of 28 and has accompanied herself on her long journey of learning to live with the disease.