Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has become one of medicine's most frustrating mysteries. CFS sufferers are plagued with a debilitating and unexplained fatigue that can persist indefinitely. Their flulike symptoms, which are fatigue (lack of energy), malaise (feeling bad), muscle aches, sore throat, low-grade fever, and swollen lymph nodes, often continue long after what they thought was merely a bout with the flu, mononucleosis, or some other infectious illness. Depression, a common companion to many chronic conditions, can accompany the other symptoms of CFS. So can cognitive problems, such as confusion and forgetfulness, as well as sleep disorders.

Chronic fatigue syndrome can be a seriously debilitating condition.

Chronic fatigue syndrome can be a
 seriously debilitating condition.

Theories abound as to the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, but so far, no one has come up with a definitive answer. Is it a virus? Is there a genetic tendency to develop it? Is it triggered by stress? Is it a malfunction of the immune system? No one knows.

Even the diagnosis of CFS can be murky, since there are currently no available blood tests or X-rays to say "Yes, this patient has CFS." Instead, it remains primarily a diagnosis of exclusion. That is, your doctor must first rule out other conditions, such as anemia, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disorders, lupus, and even cancer, that can cause similar symptoms. Chronic fatigue, after all, is one of the most common complaints doctors hear from patients. To help bring some clarity, consistency, and confidence to the diagnosis of CFS, therefore, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention established guidelines for diagnosing the condition based on the work of international scientists studying the syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is treated with a variety of medications, depending on the symptoms. Some of the medications that may be prescribed include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin and ibuprofen), low-dose tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (another category of antidepressants), antianxiety drugs, stimulants, and antihistamines.
For a list of precautions to take when using over-the-counter analgesics, click here.

If you suffer from CFS, what can you do? Unfortunately, there is no cure. And no one can tell you how long you'll be sick. But the disease does not get progressively worse, and it's not fatal. In fact, you're usually sickest during the first year, often before you're even diagnosed. The challenge is to learn how to cope with CFS.

In this article, we'll recommend coping strategies, tips on how to detect the condition, and the down side to alternative therapies.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

The brand name products mentioned in this publication are trademarks or service marks of their respective companies. The mention of any product in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the respective proprietors of Publications International, Ltd. or HowStuffWorks.com, nor does it constitute an endorsement by any of these companies that their products should be used in the manner described in this publication.