Health experts started paying more attention to ME/CFS when millions of people developedlong COVID.
Heres everything to know about ME/CFS, including known causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What are the symptoms for ME/CFS?
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That said, your symptoms can change dramatically from one day, week, or month to the next.
Its more of an all-encompassing exhaustion that gets worse with activity and doesnt get better with rest.
Even if you sleep for 12 hours, you may still feel like you pulled an all-nighter.
You could also have problems falling or staying asleep.
This is perhaps the most defining characteristic of ME/CFS.
The other is having issues when you stand up, otherwise known asorthostatic intolerance.
What causes ME/CFS?
It was coined following a 1955 outbreak of the illness in a London hospital.
As to what causes the symptoms, however, thats the million dollar question.
While experts dont have a definitive answer at the moment, there are several solid theories.
But thats really just the tip of the iceberg, Dr. Shepherd says.
Your chances of getting ME/CFS after an infection are higher if you had particularly severe symptoms.
For example,some peoplehave developed ME/CFS after exposure to pesticides and insecticides.
However, its still not clear if one or more genes are major players here.
A bunch of inflammation-causing proteins called cytokines running amok in your body.
The higher levels of these cell-signaling molecules are associated with fatigue, Dr. Bonilla says.
That might help explain why people experience such a wide range of symptoms.
This is especially important when trying to understand the debilitating fatigue sparked by ME/CFS.
Mitochondria are tiny powerhouses inside the bodys cells that act like batteries to give you the energy to function.
People with long COVID also have similar issues with their mitochondria.
Its like youre driving a car with a 40-gallon gas tank.
Any activity can consume gas (or energy) and then you crash.
Whos at risk for ME/CFS?
Whats the diagnosis process like for ME/CFS?
You might have several tests and scans to measure your liver andthyroid function, for example.
The sooner youre diagnosed, the greater your chances of relief and recovery.
What treatments exist for ME/CFS?
Were still scrambling around in both conditions for an effective form of treatment, Dr. Shepherd says.
There are certain medications that can help with individual symptoms, like sleep problems.
A good way to do this properly is to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms.
The biggest takeaway here?
Dont push through your symptomsand remember that everyones ME/CFS journey is different.
Recovery isnt always linear, and it can take you on a wildly frustrating ride.
But establishing a new norm for your life that prioritizes rest doesnt have to be a bad thing.
It can actually introduce you to a healthier lifestyle that carries a bunch of long-term benefits.
And thats exactly what Dr. Shepherd kept in mind after all this time.
I am now in my 70s and still practicing medicine!
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