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$Title{What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?}
$Subject{tired chronic fatigue syndrome yuppies disease epstein-barr virus ebv
myalgic encephalomyelitis yuppy flu cfs ill defined symptoms symptom behavior
behaviors lifestyle lifestyles tire tiring exhausted fatigued}
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Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?


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QUESTION:  When I confided to my friend that I seemed to be much more tired
than usual, she told me that I might be suffering with a new disease called
"Fatigue (something)".  Can you tell me anything about this disorder, and
where it comes from.  I am now almost as worried about the possibility that I
am suffering from something horrible as I am knocked down by the fatigue.
Please help.

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ANSWER:  Your friend makes reference to a condition called "Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome", a confusing and frustrating disorder that has been around since
1984.  It has been known by a variety of names including chronic Epstein-Barr
virus (EBV), myalgic encephalomyelitis, and often is referred to as "yuppy
flu".  Yet the little knowledge we have about the disease shows that it is not
caused by the EB virus, not is it a disease of only "yuppies" but has been
reported in people from all social classes and ages.  However, an accurate
diagnosis is difficult, and there are still no laboratory tests that can help
make the diagnosis, and the cause remains unknown.  And that makes treatment a
most difficult problem.
     To be sure, not all fatigue, even chronic fatigue, means that you are
suffering with this syndrome.  Fatigue is a most frequent problem, and is the
fourth most common complaint seen in physician's offices.  Fatigue often has
an underlying medical reason that can be discovered such as anemia, sleep
disorder or undiscovered physical illness.  To fit into the CFS category, you
must meet with a group of strict criteria that were established in 1988 to
help define this situation more clearly.  In general you must have a fatigue
that is so severe that your normal day's activity is reduced by half, have a
total of 8 other symptoms (which include sore throat and fever, for example)
for more than 6 months.  In addition a careful and complete examination must
be conducted to rule out all other possibilities.
     Though there are no specific treatments, the good news is that the
majority of patients do improve after a 12 to 24 month period.  Some
medications such as antidepressants and anti-inflammatory prescriptions can be
used to help reduce the symptoms.  Your best bet is to consult your own
physician for the examination and workup that can answer your question more
specifically in your case.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.