Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment in Annapolis, MD

Individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) do not suffer from any sort of underlying medical condition, yet experience extreme tiredness after physical or mental activity that is not resolved with any amount of rest. This disorder is also often referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).

If you are experiencing tiredness or weakness due to chronic fatigue syndrome, contact Annapolis Asthma, Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists to discuss the cause of your condition and the treatment options available at our sleep center in Annapolis, MD. For more information about CFS or to speak with our sleep specialists, please call (410) 266-1644 and schedule your consultation today.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The primary symptom experienced by a majority of individuals diagnosed with CFS is, of course, persistent fatigue. While many people often report that they are tired throughout the day, CFS is much more than simply feeling sleepy, as this disorder can frequently inhibit a person’s ability to complete regular daily tasks. Men and women diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome are likely to also encounter:

• Tiredness even after sleeping
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
• Headaches
• Inability to concentrate or think clearly
• Sore throat
• Trouble remembering things
• Digestive irritability
• Orthostatic intolerance (feeling lightheaded or dizzy upon sitting or standing up)
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Unexplained pain within the joints or muscular tissues that is not accompanied by swelling or redness of the affected area
• Post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms after completing a basic task such as showering or going to work)

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to test an individual for CFS. In order for Annapolis Asthma, Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists to determine that chronic fatigue syndrome is responsible for the onset of a patient’s symptoms, they must first rule out any other possible conditions that could be causing the person’s extreme exhaustion.

Unclear Causes, But Known Risk Factors

While there is no explanation as to why a particular person may experience chronic fatigue syndrome, there are several factors that play an important role in influencing someone’s likelihood of being diagnosed with CFS. These risk factors include:

• Age: Most individuals with CFS will receive an official diagnosis when they are between 40 and 50 years old.
• Gender: Women are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome two to four times more often than men.
• Genetics: It is commonly accepted that certain individuals are born with a predisposition to CFS.
• Stress levels: Inability to effectively manage stress can contribute to the development of CFS.
• Prior health concerns: While there is no clear link, evidence suggests that individuals who suffer from a compromised immune system, abnormal hormone levels, human herpes virus 6, Epstein-Barr virus, or mouse leukemia viruses may be more likely to become affected by CFS.

Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There is currently no cure available for chronic fatigue syndrome. However, individuals diagnosed with this disorder can receive excellent care from the specialists at Annapolis Asthma, Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists to help manage and improve their symptoms of CFS.

Lifestyle Alterations

Individuals can develop healthier habits in their everyday routine to help prevent symptoms of a chronic fatigue syndrome from becoming worse over time. This can include limiting caffeine consumption, avoiding strenuous aerobic exercise, and determining an appropriate personal balance between activity and rest. It is important for persons with CFS to know their limitations and specific triggers that can each lead to exacerbated symptoms if left unchecked.

Medications

Annapolis Asthma, Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists can often prescribe various forms of medication to treat a patient’s symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. The specific types of medication recommended will vary on a case-by-case basis, though many individuals with CFS will utilize some kind of sleep aid or antidepressant.

Alternative Treatments

There are some patients who have reported an improvement in their CFS symptoms after regularly engaging in relaxing therapies such as yoga, massage, tai chi, or even acupuncture. Be sure to discuss the addition of these complementary treatment methods with Annapolis Asthma, Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists before you engage in them, as these activities can also drastically worsen the level of fatigue experienced by certain individuals.

Schedule Your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment in Annapolis, MD Today!

To learn more about chronic fatigue syndrome and how it may specifically affect you in your daily life, contact our neurological specialists for a one-on-one consultation to review your symptoms and potential treatment options. Please call Annapolis Asthma, Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists at (410) 266-1644 to schedule your appointment at our sleep center in Annapolis, MD to determine the treatment options best or your chronic fatigue syndrome.