Sly Saint
Senior Member (Voting Rights)
The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is extreme tiredness. CFS is also known as ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis). The condition can affect anyone, including children. It's more common in women. It tends to develop between your mid-20s and mid-40s.
Symptoms of CFS/(ME)
There's some debate over the correct term to use for the condition. The information on this page will refer to the condition as CFS/ME.
The main symptom of CFS/ME is feeling extremely tired and generally unwell. This usually occurs after physical activity. The symptoms may be delayed for a day or more and may take several days to end.
In addition, people with CFS/ME may have other symptoms, including:
Most people find over exercising makes their symptoms worse.
- sleep problems
- muscle or joint pain
- headaches
- a sore throat or sore glands that aren't swollen
- problems thinking, remembering or concentrating
- flu-like symptoms
- feeling dizzy or sick
- fast or irregular heartbeats (heart palpitations)
Treatments include:
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) (external link opens in a new window / tab)
- a structured exercise programme or management of activity and rest periods, depending upon individual symptoms/response
Living with CFS/ME can be difficult. Extreme tiredness and other physical symptoms can make it hard to carry out everyday activities. You may have to make some major lifestyle changes.
CFS/ME can also affect your mental and emotional health, and have a negative effect on your self-esteem.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) | nidirect
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