There are many diseases that cannot be seen with the naked eye, but that does not make them any less serious. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is one of them, affecting between 120,000 and 200,000 people in Spain, including children, adolescents and adults. This disorder not only manifests itself as extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest, but also causes cognitive problems such as difficulty concentrating, loss of memory and mental agility. These symptoms profoundly affect the quality of life and daily activities.
Dr. Joaquim Fernández, Head of the Central Sensitization Syndromes Unit at Hospital Clínic Barcelona, explains the difference between this disease and common fatigue: “When this fatigue, which we can all perceive when we do intense activities, appears in minor activities or is persistent over time, it becomes a disease.” In addition to fatigue, CFS entails social isolation and loneliness, which further deteriorate the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
When this fatigue that we can all perceive when we do intense activities, appears in minor activities or is persistent over time, it becomes an illness.
In addition to fatigue and cognitive problems, CFS has a wide variety of symptoms. Among the easiest to detect are bone and muscle pain, sleep and mood disorders, headache, motor instability, and swinging low-grade fever. Other symptoms, more difficult to associate with the disease, include persistent pharyngitis, swollen glands, dry skin and mucous membranes, the need to urinate very often, alterations in intestinal rhythm, temperature changes, decreased libido and increased sensitivity. to environmental factors, whether physical or chemical.
These symptoms can fluctuate over time and cause great discomfort for the patient, who often does not understand what is happening to them. The experience of CFS varies from one person to another, as there are varying degrees of affectation. In grade I (mild), the patient reduces his activity by half; in grade II (moderate), life is limited to the home and activity is reduced by one third; and in grade III (severe), the ability to do any activity is practically nil. The same patient can experience different degrees of involvement throughout their life.
Although there are no specific tests that confirm chronic fatigue syndrome, its diagnosis is relatively simple, as Dr. Fernández explains: “The diagnosis is not difficult. It is based on the symptoms and signs that the patient describes.” The main criteria are that the person has chronic fatigue for at least six months and that there are no other pathologies that explain this fatigue. Additionally, the patient must manifest at least four of the associated symptoms for six months or more after the onset of fatigue.
Since this is an ambiguous disease, it is natural to wonder if anyone can suffer from it. The truth is that there is a certain predisposition. Genetic factors and behavioral patterns have a significant influence: people with a perfectionist or obsessive character, hyperactive or who have gone through very stressful life situations are more likely to suffer from CFS. Additionally, women are 10 to 20 times more likely than men to develop the disorder, due to female hormones.
Lack of physical exercise and ligamentous hypermobility—increased flexibility in tendons and joints—are also associated with CFS. However, triggering factors are necessary for the disease to manifest. A person with a genetic predisposition who has suffered from infections, exposure to chemicals, environmental factors, or intense physical or psychological stress may develop it more easily.
The diagnosis is not difficult. It is based on the symptoms and signs that the patient describes
Currently, there is no specific drug to improve chronic fatigue. Pharmacological treatment focuses on relieving symptoms such as pain, insomnia or mood disorders. However, some medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, antidepressants, or antihistamines, can worsen the condition. The main focus of treatment for CFS is maintaining moderate exercise, preferably aerobic, and having good emotional support through individual or group therapy. Although it is not a degenerative disease, it is chronic, and there is no cure.
Therefore, the main advice from professionals is to learn to live with the symptoms and manage them appropriately. This starts with healthy habits, such as eating as little processed food as possible to avoid becoming overweight. Some energy supplements have shown some temporary effectiveness in some patients. Although complementary therapies have not shown clear evidence of effectiveness, acupuncture can temporarily relieve pain, anxiety, and contractures. On the contrary, intense massages can be counterproductive and cause more pain.
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