Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Chronic Fatigue- What Exactly is Chronic Fatigue

Chronic Fatigue- What Exactly is Chronic Fatigue
Chances are you have heard of Chronic Fatigue but like most
people, understanding this condition can be a bit
confusing. Over the years, information about Chronic
Fatigue has increased with a number of efforts made to
educate the public about something very debilitating.
Since 1994, experts researching Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
have worked hard to define the symptoms so a proper
diagnosis would be possible.

The results from years of research include two firm
criteria for having Chronic Fatigue.

1.The individual would have for or more of the defined
symptoms, which include, difficulty with concentration,
sore lymph nodes, joint and muscle pain, swelling within
the joints, headache, problems sleeping, sore throat, and
fatigue after any type of physical exertion lasting 24
hours or more.

2.A person would have severe symptoms for a minimum of six
months, coupled with other diagnoses medical conditions.

The key in diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is that
symptoms have to be recurring for six months or longer.
Fatigue with this condition is far beyond the normal
feeling of being tired that most people experience. With
Chronic Fatigue, the level of fatigue is almost
unexplainable, as if a wash has come over the person making
normal function difficult, if not impossible. In addition
to the abovementioned symptoms, people living with Chronic
Fatigue have reported several other symptoms. For example,
intolerance to alcohol consumption, diarrhea, nausea,
dizziness, and night sweats are just a few. Additionally,
a large number of people suffer from some level of
depression simply because the syndrome is so consuming.

Current statistics tell us that approximately one million
people in the United States alone struggle with the
symptoms associated with Chronic Fatigue. Unfortunately,
the number of occurrences is well beyond that of ovarian or
lung cancer and MS. Because the numbers continue to rise,
significant money has been poured into research to better
understand Chronic Fatigue so a cure can be found. Even
so, the number of women with Chronic Fatigue is four times
greater than with men. In addition, for some reason, this
syndrome strikes individuals in their 40s and 50s. While
some cases of Chronic Fatigue have been confirmed in
children, it is rare although teenagers are at higher risk
than the younger children are.

You will also discover that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome does
not care about race or ethics, hitting all groups much the
same with the exception that the Hispanic and African
American populations have the lowest number of diagnosed
cases. Interestingly, it is relatively common for more
than one member of a family to develop Chronic Fatigue,
leading some researchers to think some type of genetic link
may factor in. Although tremendous research is still
needed to fully understand this condition, we have seen
some remarkable advances over the years, providing hope
that in the near future, a cure could be developed.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms noted and have
concern that you might be living with Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome, it is vital that you talk to your doctor for a
confirmed diagnosis. Although frustrating, with medical
help, you can find relief to live a more normal life.
Rather than just deal with the symptoms associated with
this condition, you need to take action so you can regain
control over your life.


----------------------------------------------------
Hailey Harris is an expert in dealing with Chronic Fatigue
and Fibromyalgia symptoms after suffering for more than 8
years with health problems. She is now symptom free and
living a pain free life. She developed Ridfatigue.com found
at http://www.ridfatigue.com to help others learn to do the
same. To receive tons of info, tips, and healing strategies
for free visit http://www.ridfatigue.com/how.html .

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