Parents, Teenagers and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a very difficult disorder to diagnose in adults and teenagers. The primary symptom associated with chronic fatigue syndrome is extreme fatigue, which does not improve even with extended periods of rest. Though Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is one that is now widely accepted by researchers and doctors as being a legitimate illness, the exact cause of it is still unknown.
Symptoms
Despite the fact that researchers have not been able to pinpoint an exact reason for the development of chronic fatigue syndrome, there are some symptoms that are generally associated with this condition. Aside from fatigue itself, the following symptoms are usually present in teens and adults who suffer from CFS:
Headache
Lack of concentration or focus
Memory loss
Muscle pain that is unexplained
Lymph nodes in the neck or armpits become enlarged or painful
Restless sleep, or unrefreshing sleep
Joint pain with no swelling or redness
Sore throat
In addition to the symptoms listed above, there are a wide variety of other symptoms that are sometimes present in adults and teens who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. These symptoms are not part of the official definition of the disorder because they do not manifest themselves in every patient with CFS.
Nausea
Chills
Night sweats
Chest pain
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Weight gain or loss
How CFS is Treated
Doctors generally use a combination of different treatments in an attempt to provide some relief for patients. There is no absolute cure for chronic fatigue syndrome at this time, however.
One of the most commonly prescribed activities for patients is moderate, steady exercise. Teenagers with chronic fatigue syndrome need to monitor their daily activity carefully because they need to walk a fine line between staying active and not overexerting themselves with sports. Your doctor can help you to create an activity plan that will keep your body moving without exhausting you.
Depression is a common diagnosis in teenagers and adults who have chronic fatigue syndrome. If you or your child is suffering from depression, your doctor may prescribe some medication for you to help relieve those symptoms. Behavioral therapy is often used in conjunction with medication so that patients can learn how to identify negative behaviors or activities that may be inhibiting their treatment process.
Your teen may also be treated for symptoms of pain with acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. In addition, they might also need to be treated for allergies, low blood pressure, anxiety, or dizziness.
Alternative Treatments
Many people who are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome seek alternative treatments in an effort to find relief from this debilitating disease. Ginseng is considered to be one of the most effective natural treatments for CFS because it enhances cellular immune function. Ginseng helps to increase energy and reduce feelings of fatigue, and it has proven to be successful in research studies of patients with CFS.
L-carnitine levels are usually decreased in people with CFS, and lowered levels of this amino acid can lead to exhaustion and muscle pain. Taking an L-carnitine supplement has helped many patients to find some relief from their symptoms. In addition, patients with CFS have also shown improvement when taking CoQ10, an antioxidant that is found naturally in our cells.