Children Young People And Me/cfs
ME/CFS can affect people of all ages, including the very young. Young people with ME/CFS, especially children under the age of ten, might have trouble knowing or articulating that something is wrong. They may not realise that their loss of stamina, or other symptoms they are experiencing, are not normal. Alternatively, they may not have the words to describe what they are feeling.
For both younger children and teenagers, schooling can be affected but ME/CFS is not school refusal. While school refusal can often be accompanied by physical complaints , and these complaints may tend to disappear when the young person stays home, the pattern is different with ME/CFS. In a young person with ME/CFS, some symptoms never ease and symptom exacerbation is triggered by activity. In ME/CFS, symptoms are likely to be worse after school attendance, and can reduce with pacing and rest, which includes time away from school or during holidays.
Some young people with ME/CFS can continue to attend school, and others may be too unwell for regular classroom attendance. Parents, healthcare providers, schools and the child or teenager need to work together to come up with a plan for the young persons continued education. This plan needs to take into account the energy limits of ME/CFS. Being creative and flexible is key and might include things like fewer subjects or school from home.
The Exact Cause Of Cfs Is Not Clear But It May Be Due To Combination Of Some Factors These Are:
- Psychological stress
- Infection: Some viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6 and mouse leukemia viruses.
- Hormonal imbalance: Sometimes there is abnormal level of hormones in blood produced by hypothalamus, pituitary gland or adrenal gland. Decreased level of serotonin is also responsible for CFS.
- Immune system problem.
How Does Me/cfs Affect People
ME/CFS affects different people in different ways, some more severely than others. There are four levels of severity of ME/CFS, which give an indication of the level of disability ME/CFS can create:
- mild: 50% reduction in pre-illness activity
- moderate: mostly housebound
- severe: mostly bedridden
- very severe: totally bedridden and need help with basic activities including nutrition and hydration.
The severity of ME/CFS can vary over time. A person living with ME/CFS could be at one level of severity now, then their disease could either improve or deteriorate over time. For some patients, their disease can worsen significantly with no known cause. Other patients have a fluctuating illness where they have better and worse periods, which last for months or years. It is unclear why this happens.
For most people, ME/CFS is a lifelong disease. Full recovery is rare and estimated at less than 10%. For some people with ME/CFS, as time passes and their disease improves, they will find they can do more, but it is a slow and gradual process. However, this is not the case for everyone. Some people find their disease worsens over time, others may remain somewhat stable. With support and pacing, people can often improve their quality of life.
Don’t Miss: Does Radiation Treatment Cause Fatigue
Most Effective Treatments For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
CFS, or chronic fatigue syndrome, is a debilitating disorder that is characterized by extreme tiredness or fatigue. This fatigue is not relieved with rest and there is no underlying medical condition that can explain it. Also referred to as systemic exertion intolerance disease and myalgic encephalomyelitis , CFS does not have well-understood causes. Some of the theories are psychological stress, viral infection, or a combination of other factors that can lead to CFS.
Click the button below and learn to manage chronic pain by booking a consultation with a licensed doctor.
Due to the fact that a number of other conditions produce similar symptoms and no single cause for the disorder can be identified, it can be quite difficult to diagnose CFS. There are no tests for this disorder, which is why other causes of your fatigue will need to be ruled out by your doctor. Although there is no cure at present for CFS, the focus on CFS treatment is on relieving the symptoms that patients experience.
Also Check: What Does Sleep Apnea Fatigue Feel Like
Skip Heavily Processed Foods
Heavily processed foods typically have fewer nutrients than their whole food counterparts. Its important to load up on plants like legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support your bodys needs.
Dont know what to eat? Groppo recommends sticking with foods that are as close to how Mother Nature made it as possible. Choose popped corn instead of corn flakes or brown rice instead of pasta, for example.
Don’t Miss: Heart Disease And Extreme Fatigue
Discussing Treatment Options With A Doctor
The medical community differs over the exact treatment courses for those living with CFS. Youll need to work closely with a healthcare team to determine which symptoms are impacting your quality of life the most.
You may start with treatment of these issues and progress to others in time. Many treatment options are available, ranging from over-the-counter drugs to alternative therapies.
The most effective treatment for CFS is the one thats catered to you and your specific symptoms. A doctor may suggest a variety of treatments depending on what youre experiencing and what your treatment goals are.
When To Speak To Your Doctor
You know your body best. If constant fatigue and aches that wont quit have become a daily or long-term occurrence, speak with your doctor.
Pain thats severe enough to keep you up at night or that doesnt respond to home treatment should also be discussed with your doctor. Diagnostic tests might uncover a condition, such as anemia or diabetes, thats causing tiredness and weakness.
It may also be possible that regular fatigue is a side effect from a medication youre taking. If thats the case, your doctor may be able to alter your medication protocol.
You May Like: Can Afib Cause Extreme Fatigue
Go Easy On Foods High In Refined Carbohydrates
Bread, spaghetti, and cake are not your best choices. These foods make your blood sugar rise rapidly, then crash quickly. Youll end up feeling weak and tired. Eat more high-fibre foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain cereals, whole-wheat bread, and vegetables. These help stabilize blood sugar.
For More Information About Fatigue Related Issues And How To Combat Them Try The Following Links:
- To see all of our home remedies and the conditions they treat, go to our main Home Remedies page.
- Learn more about anxiety and how it can contribute to fatigue in Home Remedies for Anxiety.
- Not getting enough sleep at night will put a damper on your motivation for sure. Learn more about how to get enough sleep with these Home Remedies for Insomnia.
- Stress affects us in many ways. Read about how to deal with the pressure in Home Remedies for Stress.
- Knowing exactly what causes stress can help you stay above water. Learn more about this malady in How Stress Works.
David J. Hufford, Ph.D., is university professor and chair of the Medical Humanities Department at Pennsylvania State University’s College of Medicine. He also is a professor in the departments of Neural and Behavioral Sciences and Family and Community Medicine. Dr. Hufford serves on the editorial boards of several journals, including Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine and Explore.
Recommended Reading: Can Constant Pain Cause Fatigue
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
It is a disorder in which person suffers from extreme fatigue. In general fatigue is feeling of tired and weak condition. It can be overcome by taking rest. Fatigue may be felt physically or mentally. The period of fatigue is more than 6 months then it is reported as chronic fatigue. It cannot be managed with rest. It may be due to any reason like medical, psychological stress, genetic or infectious disease.
Can Natural Remedies And Diet Help Long Covid And Post Viral Fatigue
This a question we have been asked a lot over the last few months and we know that many of you are really struggling to get your energy back after having COVID.
Unfortunately, we cant give a specific answer as there is still so much to learn about the disease and research to be done into treatment for post COVID symptoms. We can, however, look at what we do know, some of the mechanisms of the virus and how other viruses respond, to find clues and make some suggestions.
When COVID enters the body, the immune system launches an attack and sets off producing and releasing specific immune cells. This immune response in turn triggers the release of signalling molecules that modulate the response to infection via inflammation. There is evidence that elevated levels of these molecules have been associated with coronavirus disease progression and more serious cases may be related to this inflammatory process becoming out of control leading to systemic inflammation. There is also a thought that an extremely elevated histamine response may be contributing. This is still being investigated but may in future give evidence that natural histamine balancers could be helpful.
Supplements
A supplement protocol may include :
Recommended Reading: Natural Supplements For Depression And Fatigue
When Should I Call The Doctor About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
People seek medical care when the fatigue and cognitive difficulties of chronic fatigue syndrome affect their quality of life. People who have questions about a particular treatment should contact a qualified health-care provider, local medical society, or university medical school for additional information.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Read Also: How To Beat Crohnâs Fatigue
Complementary And Alternative Treatments
Nutrition and Supplementation
Good nutrition is essential to treating CFS. Concentrate on quality protem sources, such as fish, chicken and lamb, and on complex carbohydrates, as they are a steady source of energy. Good foods include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Boost your immune system with the enzymes provided in juice, especially those âgreenâ juices that contain high levels of chlorophyll. Other beneficial juices are those that contain aloe vera, cucumber, or lemon. Drink a glass of water every two to three waking hours to flush out toxins and help reduce muscle pain. Six 10-ounce glasses daily is not too much. Drink your liquids at room temperature or warmer cold can shock CFS sufferers.
Avoid caffeine, processed foods, soft drinks, fried foods, and white-flour products, such as bread and pasta. The daily supplement guidelines suggested below will help balance your system:
Most Important
Ayurvedic products are available at many health food stores and Indian pharmacies.
Bodywork and Somatic Practices
Also Check: Can Kidney Disease Cause Fatigue
Recommended Reading: Adaptogenic Herbs For Adrenal Fatigue
Natural Remedies For Chronic Fatigue
Some of the steps to overcome chronic fatigue with natural remedies include an appropriate diet that is healthy, the use of herbs, meditation, muscle relaxation, yoga, and counseling.
Regular exercise: It has been observed that individuals who exercise regularly show fewer symptoms of chronic fatigue, Aerobics, tai-chi, yoga are good forms of regular exercise.
Energy conservation: The physician may recommend a moderate-paced lifestyle to avoid the sudden onset of extreme fatigue. In addition, the physician may recommend meeting with a physiotherapist to design exercises suitable for the condition.
Stress removal: In order to deal with stress and anxiety, techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are recommended.
Take Foods Rich In Zinc
Zinc plays a significant role in treating fatigue and it is known as an essential nutrient for chronic fatigue syndrome treatment. The supplementation of zinc helps improve endurance & muscle strength. In addition, zinc helps reduce fatigue by boosting immune function. Zinc also acts as an immune stimulant & triggers the reproduction of the lymphocytes.
This nutrient also is known as a constituent of a lot of enzymes involved in both digestion and metabolism. Furthermore, zinc is needed for the growth & development of female reproductive organs, it also is needed for the usual functioning of mens prostate gland. Good sources of zinc:
- Grains: barley, brown rice, whole wheat flour, whole wheat bread, buckwheat, oatmeal, rice bran, rye bread, corn, cornmeal, millet
- Vegetables and legumes: soy meal, soy protein, lima beans, onions, soy flour, green peas, lentils, lettuce, black-eyed peas, carrots, garbanzo beans and cabbage,
- Fruits: apples and peaches
Read Also: How Do You Cure Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Read Also: Why Does Depression Cause Fatigue
Support Your Immune System
Chronic infections may be an underlying cause of chronic fatigue, but they are widely undiagnosed.
What to do: In addition to getting tested for underlying infections, consider blends of Siberian ginseng, samento, sarsaparilla, guaiacum, astragalus, resveratrol, and cat’s claw for their immune-strengthening properties.
Natural Treatments For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis , is a condition characterized by exhaustion that doesnt improve with rest. Its cause is unclear but it is thought that it may be a combination of genetics, viral infection, and inflammation from oxidative stress. For this reason, it often requires more than one healing approach.
Recommended Reading: Treatment Of Fatigue In Cancer Patients
How Is Cfs Diagnosed
CFS is a very challenging condition to diagnose.
According to the Institute of Medicine, as of 2015, CFS occurs in about 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans. Its estimated, however, that 84 to 91 percent have yet to receive a diagnosis.
There are no medical tests to screen for CFS. Its symptoms are similar to many other conditions. Many people with CFS dont look sick, so doctors may not recognize that they indeed have a health condition.
In order to receive a CFS diagnosis, your doctor will rule out other potential causes and review your medical history with you.
Theyll confirm that you at least have the core symptoms previously mentioned. Theyll also ask about the duration and severity of your unexplained fatigue.
Ruling out other potential causes of your fatigue is a key part of the diagnosis process. Some conditions with symptoms that resemble those of CFS include:
- sleep disorders
The side effects of certain drugs, such as antihistamines and alcohol, can mimic symptoms of CFS as well.
Because of the similarities between symptoms of CFS and many other conditions, its important to not self-diagnose. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They can work with you to get relief.
Identify Treatments Youve Tried
In addition to tracking the symptoms you have experienced, keep a list of treatments you have tried. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a medications and supplements list you can use to track your medications, their dosage, how well they help, and if you experienced side effects. Write a separate list of other treatments you have tried beyond medications and supplements, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, acupuncture, or meditation.
Also Check: Body Ache Shortness Of Breath Fatigue
Clinical Benefits Of Tcm In The Treatment Of Cfs Patients Nowadays
Two kinds of therapeutic methods are often applied in a TCM clinic. One is treatment for the symptoms and the other is for the TCM pathogenesis. The former is called âBianbing Lunzhiâ. The latter is named âBianzheng Lunzhiâ which the treatment is based on the TCM pathogenesis summarized from the systemic symptoms and signs. In the CFS clinic, the two methods are widely utilized.
Herbal Remedies For Fatigue
Herbs are a natural way of relieving stress. However, herbs may interact with other herbs or medications to generate side effects. Hence, herbs should be consumed only with the recommendation of a physician.
Some of the herbs that are useful for dealing with fatigue are:
Echinacea: This is known to improve the immune system when ingested twice a day at a concentration of 200 mg. Echinacea cannot be administered to individuals suffering from autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Ginseng: Ginseng can enhance the immune system at a concentration of 300 mg when taken twice a day. However, ginseng reacts with the drugs used for treating individuals with a heart condition, diabetes, and hormone-related cancers . Ginseng also increases bleeding in individuals who use blood thinners, especially for heart conditions.
Herbal oils: Rosemary, peppermint, or jasmine oils that are used in aromatherapy relieve the stress in individuals. They can be added to a hot bath or a drop of oil on cotton can be inhaled to relieve stress.
Herbal tea: 1 tsp of dried herbs mixed in a cup of hot water and steeped for 5 to 10 minutes or 10 to 20 minutes , can be consumed 2 to 4 times a day.
Don’t Miss: How To Recover From Muscle Fatigue
Why Are You So Tired All The Time
If you find yourself sleeping through multiple morning alarms or wishing you had a place at work to secretly snooze midday, theres a chance you suffer from fatigue or exhaustion. There are medical reasons you feel tired all the time, but fatigue not related to a specific medical issue could stem from a number of causes including inadequate or interrupted sleep, poor diet, stress, depression, lack of exercise, and jet lag, says Maura Henninger, ND, a naturopathic doctor in New York. Luckily, help for fatigue may be found in a natural remedy. Herbal remedies are fantastic at supporting certain kinds of fatigue, especially to issues related to the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, which governs the bodys stress response, says Dr. Henninger. And who doesnt have excessive stress these days? Herbs are great at modulating the bodys stress response.
Next time you find yourself reaching for caffeine or sugar to combat the midday slump, consider these home remedies for your fatigue .
