Medical Issues to Rule Out When Dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Are you feeling tired all the time? Can’t seem to rest at night and never have any energy? You could have chronic fatigue syndrome or an underlying medical issue. With chronic fatigue syndrome, there is no single test to confirm that you have this condition. Essentially, other medical problems must be ruled out to conclude that you have CFS. But needs to be ruled out? Below are a few examples of common CFS symptoms and medical issues that must be ruled out to confirm a diagnosis.

The first symptom associated with CFS is, of course, fatigue. At the onset of CFS, you may feel like you have the flu. You can have a sore throat and feel achy all over. You can also lose your concentration or memory. You may notice that your lymph nodes have become enlarged on your armpits or neck area. Joint pain and muscle pain can pop up unexpectedly. Headaches are also expected, along with sleep issues.

Because CFS does not have one test to complete for diagnosis, your physician will suggest testing you for a variety of conditions that have similar symptoms. One example is sleep disorders. If you suffer from a sleep disorder, you can have similar symptoms to CFS. A sleep study will help to determine if sleep issues such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or sleep apnea might be a problem.

Other medical conditions that can cause fatigue include diabetes, anemia, and an underactive thyroid. Your physician will suggest lab testing to check the blood for such issues. Mental health issues such as depression or anxiety can also lead to fatigue. A counselor may also test you for these conditions along with others.

You will need to seek treatment if you are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. There is no cure for CFS, but you can treat the symptoms. Some patients try medication such as antidepressants in low doses to cope with problems associated with CFS, such as depression. Therapy can also help, including talking to someone about your feelings surrounding the condition and working with a physical therapist to determine the best exercises for your needs. Chronic fatigue syndrome Arizona specialists can help you learn about treatment options and find suitable choices for your case.