| Chronic fatigue syndrome, commonly referred to as | | | | redness or swelling, frequent or recurring sore throat |
| CFS, is characterized by a prolonged period of | | | | and fever, tenderness to the lymph nodes in the |
| extreme tiredness and debilitating exhaustion. People | | | | axillary and cervical regions of the body, and |
| suffering from this condition notice a pronounced | | | | headaches. |
| decrease in their physical activity level and mental | | | | Doctors have also reported complaints of abdominal |
| focus. Women, between the ages of 25 and 45, are | | | | pain, weight loss, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and |
| more commonly diagnosed with this condition than | | | | jaw pain. People already suffering from depression or |
| men. CFS is uncommon in children, but can occur in | | | | anxiety often experience more intense episodes. The |
| teens following a bout of flu or mononucleosis. Those | | | | symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are generally |
| suffering from this syndrome have no underlying | | | | most severe at the onset of the condition and often |
| medical conditions and often experience "flu-like" | | | | subside and recur until its diagnosis. |
| symptoms. | | | | In the past, people suffering the effects of chronic |
| Chronic fatigue syndrome has no known etiology, | | | | fatigue syndrome were often reluctant to seek |
| therefore no specific diagnostic tests exist to detect | | | | medical treatment, thinking stress and a hectic |
| it. Instead, a doctor must rely on a combination of | | | | lifestyle were to blame. Research has shown that |
| symptoms and their duration of more than six | | | | prolonged periods of chronic fatigue can lead to more |
| consecutive months to lead to a diagnosis. The | | | | severe illnesses and disruptions of the quality of life. |
| patient's primary complaint is extreme exhaustion | | | | With the increase of patients suffering from the |
| that is not relieved by rest as well as cognitive | | | | debilitating effects of this condition, new guidelines |
| difficulties that cause a lower level of mental function. | | | | for diagnosis are being recognized by medical |
| Additional symptoms leading to the diagnosis of | | | | professionals leading to the quicker implementation of |
| chronic fatigue syndrome include widespread muscle | | | | a treatment plan. |
| weakness and joint pain without the presence of | | | | |