Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (cont.)
Similar Medical Conditions
A number of illnesses have been described that have a similar spectrum of
symptoms to CFS. These include fibromyalgia syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis,
neurasthenia, multiple chemical sensitivities, and chronic mononucleosis.
Although these illnesses may present with a primary symptom other than fatigue,
chronic fatigue is commonly associated with all of them.
Other Conditions That May Cause Similar Symptoms
In addition, there are a large number of clinically defined, frequently
treatable illnesses that can result in fatigue. Diagnosis of any of these
conditions would exclude a definition of CFS unless the condition has been
treated sufficiently and no longer explains the fatigue and other symptoms.
These include hypothyroidism, sleep apnea and narcolepsy, major depressive
disorders, chronic mononucleosis, bipolar affective disorders, schizophrenia,
eating disorders, cancer, autoimmune disease, hormonal disorders*, subacute
infections, obesity, alcohol or substance abuse, and reactions to prescribed
medications.
Other Commonly Observed Symptoms in CFS
In addition to the eight primary defining symptoms of CFS, a number of other
symptoms have been reported by some CFS patients. The frequencies of occurrence
of these symptoms vary from 20% to 50% among CFS patients. They include
abdominal pain, alcohol intolerance, bloating, chest pain, chronic cough,
diarrhea, dizziness, dry eyes or mouth, earaches, irregular heartbeat, jaw pain,
morning stiffness, nausea, night sweats, psychological problems (depression,
irritability, anxiety, panic attacks), shortness of breath, skin sensations,
tingling sensations, and weight loss.
Next: How common is chronic fatigue syndrome? »
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