Chronic fatigue: symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment methods

Chronic fatigue syndrome is diagnosed more and more every year, which is why the problem is considered quite common. There are many factors that contribute to the occurrence of such a violation, among which it is worth noting:

  • rapid pace of life;
  • chronic stress;
  • economic crises.

According to statistics, a chronic lack of energy is more often observed in women aged 20-40 years. And the inhabitants of large cities are more prone to it.

Features of violation

Chronic fatigue syndrome has become a fairly common problem. It is observed both in people with various diseases, and in completely healthy ones.

Chronic fatigue

Increased fatigue is a condition characterized by a sharp decrease in working capacity. It is very difficult for a person to carry out activities quite familiar to him. This negatively affects the quality of life, as it has the ability to influence the intellectual and physical abilities of a person. He increasingly sees signs of irritability, memory impairment, and sleep disturbance. With increased fatigue, it is very difficult to concentrate on any type of activity.

What are the types of violations

Chronic fatigue and drowsiness can be physiological or pathological. Physiological overfatigue is characterized by severe weakness, lethargy, and a decrease in performance. It is divided into:

  • mental
  • sensory;
  • physical.

With sensory overwork, there is a decrease in the excitability of sensory systems, as well as a violation of functions. Mental manifests itself in the form of a decrease in emotional tone, attention and mental performance. The patient has various kinds of complex disorders in the functioning of the nervous system.

Physical overwork is characterized by a decrease in working capacity, as well as disruption of the functioning of various systems. The psychological type is called asthenia, and it is characterized by a peculiar psychopathological state. A person notes the presence of emotional fluctuations, fatigue, excessive irritability.

Causes

The causes of chronic fatigue can be very different. If the body experiences overwork for a long time, a very serious illness may occur. Often, seizures occur after a previous viral illness.

Medicine cannot pinpoint the causes of chronic fatigue, but all studies in this area confirm that there is a definite relationship between overwork and virus attacks. Another reason is a violation of the functioning of the nervous system, provoked by stress. Among the factors causing this violation, the following should be highlighted:

  • taking certain medications;
  • asthma, bronchitis;
  • interruptions in the work of the cardiovascular system;
  • poor nutrition;
  • sleep disturbance and lack of rest;
  • depression.

Chronic fatigue can overtake a person at any age. However, according to statistics, women often suffer from this problem.

What diseases can this syndrome speak of?

Fatigue can indicate the occurrence of various disorders in the functioning of the body. In particular, we are talking about such diseases:

  • hepatitis C;
  • pathology of the heart;
  • asthenia;
  • apnea;
  • hypothyroidism;
  • lung diseases
  • infections of the genitourinary system.

That is why, when symptoms of chronic fatigue appear, it is important to immediately contact a doctor for a comprehensive diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

The main symptoms

It is quite difficult to diagnose "chronic fatigue", since this disease is often masked by other disorders occurring in the body. Doctors identify a number of primary and secondary signs of this condition. Among the main symptoms of chronic fatigue in humans can be identified:

  • prolonged severe weakness;
  • excessive fatigue and constant drowsiness;
  • decreased performance.

However, it is worth noting that each person is individual, and not all signs of the disease occur in each case, but only a certain part of them. With a particularly severe form of the disease, drowsiness, chronic weakness, loss of strength are observed. A person spends a significant part of his time in bed and can no longer lead his usual way of life.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue

Signs of chronic fatigue in many cases are manifested in a complex. Basically, these symptoms include:

  • severe weakness for three weeks or more;
  • muscle discomfort;
  • memory impairment and regular manifestation of depressive states;
  • violation of the regime of the day;
  • joint pain;
  • frequent headaches;
  • inflammation of the lymph nodes.

If treatment is not done in a timely manner, then the aforementioned symptoms of chronic fatigue will begin to noticeably progress after some time. In this case, signs of any concomitant diseases will be absent. Even laboratory tests will not help to detect the presence of violations.

Fatigue in pregnant women

During the bearing of a child, the well-being of many women changes very sharply, which affects their usual way of life. These changes relate to the endocrine background, and the nervous system becomes more vulnerable. As a result of this, quite unpleasant symptoms may occur. If the pregnant woman continues to work, she may develop chronic fatigue. Symptoms can be very different, but basically the list is about the same as above. It is important to carefully listen to your body and when the first signs of the syndrome appear, consult a specialist. A future mom should be alert:

  • persistent headache;
  • increased weakness;
  • fast fatiguability;
  • muscle pain;
  • dizziness;
  • drowsiness.

In this case, it is very important to consult not only with a therapist, but also with a psychologist. Chronic fatigue in women during childbearing can then turn into postpartum depression, as well as affect the health of the baby. It is very important to prevent this condition and consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Feature of fatigue in children

Chronic fatigue can occur not only in an adult, but also in children and adolescents. This condition is often observed due to an overly intensive training program, constant presence at the computer, as well as a result of complex relationships with their peers.

Many parents additionally load their children with tutoring classes. As a result, the child simply does not have enough time for a good rest. This leads to a decrease in mental and physical activity, which can trigger the occurrence of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue in children

Often, such a violation occurs in children who have previously suffered various pathologies of the nervous system or somatic diseases. However, a completely healthy child can suffer, especially in the most difficult age stages. Many parents perceive chronic fatigue as whims and disobedience and do not understand what exactly happens to their children.

If the first signs of this violation appear, you must definitely reduce the load, as well as the requirements for the child. It is important to normalize sleep and rest, as well as provide good nutrition. In addition, children need to learn how to properly allocate their time, in the intervals between classes it is advisable to organize at least a little respite.

Diagnostics

If the first signs of a violation occur, it is very important not to delay a visit to the doctor and conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. Chronic fatigue is almost as serious a disruption to the body as any other pathology. Diagnostics implies:

  • specialist consultation;
  • history taking and external examination;
  • blood tests, urine tests.
Diagnosis of chronic fatigue

In addition, to confirm the diagnosis, additional laboratory tests may be required: tests for the level of thyroid hormones, blood tests, as well as the detection of various kinds of infections that occur in the body.

Treatment features

Sometimes various diseases are accompanied by chronic fatigue. Treatment helps to eliminate the existing disease and its consequences, namely constant weakness and decreased performance. Often, such a condition arises as a result of various psychological reasons, in which case a comprehensive approach to solving the problem is recommended. In particular, it is required:

  • psychologist consultation;
  • the use of medications;
  • relaxing massage and physiotherapy;
  • intake of vitamins;
  • relaxation.

In addition, you need to normalize the regime of the day, learn how to devote time to sleep and rest, and also do not forget about a balanced diet, supplement your usual lifestyle with moderate physical activity. In especially severe forms of chronic fatigue, treatment is carried out with the use of antidepressants, sedatives, sleeping pills, as well as drugs that increase the production of serotonin.

Drug treatment

So, how to overcome chronic fatigue? What to do? These questions are of interest to many patients. There are several types of medications that are used to eliminate this disorder. These funds include:

  • sleeping pills and sedatives;
  • drugs that activate the production of serotonin;
  • psychotropic drugs;
  • vitamins;
  • anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • immunostimulants.

Studies have shown that some antidepressants are considered to be a very good treatment tool. L-carnitine and magnesium will help reduce signs of fatigue. These substances are responsible for the transport of fatty acids. With their lack, the body receives much less energy. If the lack of this substance goes into a critical stage, then this can lead to chronic fatigue.

Drug treatment

With a decrease in working capacity, the use of special vitamin complexes is also required. Vitamins for chronic fatigue help to get extra energy and normalize well-being. You can take special vitamin complexes or consume food.

Treatment with folk remedies

Many are interested in how to get rid of chronic fatigue through the use of folk remedies. Initially, you need to accurately determine the reason why this violation occurred. If this happened due to a lack of vitamins, it is important to review your usual menu and take a course of vitamin therapy.

In addition, you need to normalize sleep and ensure a good rest. Overcome constant drowsiness and weakness will help moderate physical activity. Very useful walks in the fresh air.

One of the most effective means is hydrotherapy. Cold water stimulates the cardiovascular system, increases muscle tone and hormone activity. That is why when signs of fatigue appear, you just need to wash your face and ears with cold water. You can take a full shower at home.

Vitamin intake

A good sleep massage will help to get a good night's sleep. If you do it regularly, then literally in a few days a person will feel a surge of strength and notice that his health is normal.

St. John's wort grass will help strengthen and cleanse the body. It contains very important substances necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system, as well as minerals, organic acids and volatile. It is recommended to consume it in the form of tea 2 times a day for a month.

If you want to sleep all the time, then you can get rid of this condition by using alcohol tinctures of blooming dope. You need to take the drug 10 drops 3 times a day. The course of treatment should be at least 2 weeks.

Coltsfoot will help to cope with the general weakness of the body. It contains various vitamins that stimulate the nervous system and increase efficiency. In addition, infusions and decoctions of coltsfoot help to effectively deal with stress.

Rosehip tea will strengthen the immune system, protect the body from various infections. In addition, this tool is very good for chronic fatigue. You can use the fruits, flowers or leaves of the plant.

Prevention

It is important not only to know how to get rid of chronic fatigue. It is also necessary to carry out preventive measures. To prevent the occurrence of this syndrome, you need to change your usual daily routine. It is advisable to go to bed early and get up. It is worth giving at least 30 minutes a day to physical activity, performing a simple set of exercises.

Yoga classes

As a preventive measure, you need to eliminate bad habits, walk more in the fresh air. More vivid experiences may be required. Particular attention should be paid to your diet - it must be balanced and contain all the required vitamins and nutrients.


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