Chronic fatigue - Rebalance Clinic

Chronic fatigue is a complex medical condition characterized by extreme and persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other medical conditions. The key features of chronic fatigue include:

• Severe exhaustion and lack of energy that lasts for at least 6 months and does not improve much with rest
• The fatigue causes a substantial reduction in previous activity levels
• The fatigue is debilitating and affects physical and mental functioning
• The fatigue is not explained by an underlying medical condition and is not improved by rest

Some key facts about chronic fatigue:

• It affects 17-24 million people in the US
• Women are 2-4 times more likely to develop it than men
• Onset frequently follows infection with Epstein-Barr virus, Q fever, or Ross River virus
• It often begins after periods of high stress

What causes chronic fatigue? While the exact mechanisms are unclear, some theories include:

• Immune system abnormalities or inflammation
• Imbalance in neurotransmitters that influence energy and sleep
• Mitochondrial dysfunction reducing cellular energy
• Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
• Issues with blood flow or low blood pressure while upright

Chronic fatigue often occurs along with other conditions like:

• Fibromyalgia
• Chemical sensitivities
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Depression and anxiety

Diagnosing chronic fatigue involves ruling out other causes through medical history, physical exam, and tests. There is currently no cure for chronic fatigue, but symptom management can help. Lifestyle changes, medications, and therapies aim to:

• Set small, achievable goals to slowly increase activity
• Treat pain, sleep issues, anxiety, depression
• Improve coping skills and stress reduction
• Optimize nutrition, hydration, and salt intake

While extremely difficult and frustrating to live with, new research offers hope for better understanding chronic fatigue in the future. Support groups and self-care can make the condition more bearable. Visit Rebalance Clinic for professional medical assistance in managing this exhausting disorder.