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Chronic Fatigue Treatment in Albuquerque, NM
According to the Institute of Medicine, it is estimated that nearly 2.5 million Americans have chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome can leave you feeling isolated and hopeless. At Reform ABQ, our Board-Certified Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner Jacqueline Rodgers, MSN, CNP, and the team can help diagnose and treat chronic fatigue syndrome. Call Reform ABQ or request an online appointment to learn more about chronic fatigue syndrome.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome FAQ
The Answers You Need
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disorder characterized by extreme and persistent fatigue that doesn’t have an identifiable cause. Your tiredness may increase after physical or mental activity, and rest doesn’t restore your energy.
What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
Symptoms vary, but in addition to tiredness, some of the common signs of chronic fatigue syndrome include:
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Decreased memory
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Lost concentration
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Headaches
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Frequent sore throat
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Muscle and joint pain
You may also suffer from disproportionately long periods of exhaustion after physical and mental activity.
What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?
Since the direct cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown it is difficult to know who is at greatest risk for the development, but women are four times more likely than men to develop the condition, and is most commonly seen in middle-aged people.
Who is at risk for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Medical researchers haven’t identified a specific cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. However, several potential contributing factors have been identified:
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Viral infections: Many patients develop chronic fatigue syndrome after a viral infection. Researchers believe certain viruses, such as Epstein-Barr and herpes, could trigger chronic fatigue syndrome.
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Hormonal imbalances: It’s common to have abnormal levels of the hormones produced by your adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus if you have chronic fatigue syndrome. A direct correlation hasn’t yet been confirmed, but medical professionals are working to identify the link between these hormones and chronic fatigue syndrome.
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Immune system dysfunction: Some patients with chronic fatigue syndrome also have slightly underperforming immune systems. You may be more susceptible to illnesses, and your immune system may have to work harder to fight off infection, which can contribute to fatigue. However, the link between immune function and chronic fatigue syndrome isn’t fully understood.
What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?
Unfortunately, there’s no single test for chronic fatigue syndrome, and other illnesses need to be ruled out before your provider can offer a diagnosis. However, at Reform ABQ, the team provides comprehensive lab tests and state-of-the-art diagnostics to assess your health. We will screen for other illnesses that could cause similar symptoms, such as sleep disorders and thyroid dysfunction. Our team treats you and your health as their top priority and will work diligently to identify the actual cause of your symptoms so we can offer customized treatments to restore your health.
How is chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed?
The team at Reform ABQ creates treatment plans to address your specific chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms. For example, you may benefit from massage and physical therapy to relieve muscle and joint pain. Alternatively, suppose you have depression or anxiety, which are common co-occurring conditions with chronic fatigue syndrome. In that case, your provider may suggest antidepressants or therapy help you cope with both your mental health and your physical symptoms.