Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Symptoms of CFS may occur suddenly after you have a
cold
,
bronchitis
, hepatitis, or an intestinal infection. Symptoms may follow a bout of infectious
mononucleosis
(mono), which is caused by a virus that temporarily saps your energy. CFS can also begin after a period of high stress. Sometimes it develops more gradually, with no clear illness or other event noted as a starting point.
Unlike flu symptoms that usually go away in a few days or weeks, symptoms of CFS persist or recur in cycles for at least six months in 50% of time. CFS symptoms vary from person to person. Since 1994, the guidelines for diagnosing CFS include, in addition to a six-month history of fatigue that is not relieved with bed rest, at least four of the following eight symptoms:
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain without swelling or redness
- Headaches
- Trouble with short-tern memory or concentration, forgetfulness, or confusion
- Sore throat
- Tender lymph nodes
- Trouble sleeping or not feeling rested after sleep
- Worsening symptoms 24 hours or more after exercise
In addition to the eight diagnostic symptoms, patients with CFS can also suffer from:
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Chronic pain
- Irritable bowel
- Low blood pressure
- Hyperventilation
- Sensitivity to many chemicals
References
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms.
American Academy of Family Physicians Familydoctor website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms.html
. Updated November 2010. Accessed December 28, 2012.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/symptoms/index.html
. Updated May 16, 2012. Accessed December 28, 2012.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us
. Updated November 10, 2012. Accessed December 28, 2012.
Devanur LD, Kerr JR. Chronic fatigue syndrome.
J Clin Virol.
2006;37:139-150.
Prins JB, van der Meer JW, Bleijenberg G. Chronic fatigue syndrome.
Lancet.
2006;367:346-355.