How is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) treated?
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Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome can be difficult to administer because symptoms often vary and can even lessen with time. Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome is most effective when it is addressed to one of the main possible causes of the condition. Most medications have been proven ineffective on the whole, although some people find certain medication helpful, including antidepressants, anxiety medication, acetaminophen for sore muscles, allergy medication, or medication to treat low blood pressure. Your doctor may also suggest lifestyle changes such as a regulated exercise program, dietary supplements, a sleep schedule, or even sleep medication to relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. You can also take therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy or counseling to help with stress management, depression, substance abuse, or other harmful habits.
Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome can be difficult to administer because symptoms often vary and can even lessen with time. Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome is most effective when it is addressed to one of the main possible causes of the... More -
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum answered:Five main categories of problems need to be treated - think "SHINE." These are the key areas that need to be treated for fatigue and pain to resolve. SHINE stands for:
- (S)leep
- (H)ormonal deficiencies
- (I)nfections
- (N)utritional supplementation
- (E)xercise as able
Sleep - Take herbal sleep aids. Because the hypothalamic "circuit breaker" that is offline controls sleep, most people with CFS/FMS need a mix of herbal sleep aids and prescription sleep treatments. For you to get well and pain free, it is critical that you take enough of the correct natural and prescription sleep treatments to get 8-9 hours sleep at night. Try using the natural aids first (take just before bedtime).
Hormonal deficiencies - Take adrenal nutrients and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The hypothalamus is the main control center, via the pituitary, for most of the glands in the body. It is usually necessary to treat with natural thyroid, adrenal, and ovarian and testicular hormones. These natural hormones have been found to be reasonably safe when used in low doses.
Nutrition - Take a multi-nutrient supplement and ribose. Widespread nutritional deficiencies are common, and require dozens of nutrients. In our recently published study, Ribose increased energy an average of 45% after 3 weeks in those with (Сhronic fatigue syndrome) CFS/FMS.
Treat infections - Many studies have shown immune system dysfunction in CFS/FMS, which can result in many unusual infections. These include viral infections, parasites and other bowel infections, chronic Lyme and, most importantly, fungal/Candida infections.
Exercise as able - Do not push to the point of crashing the next day. Start by walking as long as you comfortably can (even if that is only 2 minutes). After 10 weeks on treatment, start to increase your walks by up to 1 minute more each day as able. When you are up to an hour of walking, you can increase intensity. To find a physician specially trained in treating CFS and fibromyalgia, contact one of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers that are opening throughout the United States.Five main categories of problems need to be treated - think "SHINE." These are the key areas that need to be treated for fatigue and pain to resolve. SHINE stands for: - (S)leep - (H)ormonal deficiencies - (I)nfections - (N)utritional... More -
Riverside Health System answered:Right now, there is no cure for CFS. But there are things you can do to feel better. Talk to your doctor about ways to ease your symptoms and deal with your tiredness. You might also try these:
Lifestyle changes:
Try to stop or do less of the things that seem to trigger your tiredness. For a week or two write down what you do each day. Note when you feel really tired. Then, look over this list to find out which activities tend to tire you out. An occupational therapist can help you by looking at your daily habits and suggesting changes to help you save energy. Your doctor can help you find an occupational therapist near where you live. At the end of the day, try thinking about how much energy you think you had that day, and how much energy you actually used that day. If you keep these two amounts of energy similar over time, you may slowly gain more strength and energy. Think about which activities are most important to you, and which activities you do not need to do as often. Make sure to tell other people in your life how much energy you can actually use each day. They can help make sure you don't do too much. It is important to remember that energy can mean mental, emotional, or physical energy.Medications:
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil, Motrin, or Aleve can help with body aches, headaches, and muscle and joint pain. Nondrowsy antihistamines can help with allergy symptoms, such as runny nose and itchy eyes. Prescription medications like doxepin or amitriptyline can help improve sleep.Some people say their CFS symptoms get better with complementary or alternative treatments, such as massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care, yoga, stretching, or self-hypnosis. Keep in mind that many alternative treatments, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies claim to cure CFS, but they might do more harm than good. Talk to your doctor before seeing someone else for treatment or before trying alternative therapies.
Also, keep in mind that your doctor may need to learn more about CFS to better help you. If you feel your doctor doesn't know a lot about CFS nor has doubts about it being a "real" illness, see another doctor for a second opinion. Contact a local university medical school or research center for help finding a doctor who treats people with CFS.
This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center.
Right now, there is no cure for CFS. But there are things you can do to feel better. Talk to your doctor about ways to ease your symptoms and deal with your tiredness. You might also try these: Lifestyle changes: Try to stop or do less of the things... More
