- A new CDC survey shows around 4.3 million American adults have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
- Cases of chronic fatigue were more prominent among women than men and in those aged 50–69.
- Health officials suggest that long COVID may be a possible explanation for the recent surge in chronic fatigue cases.
- To manage chronic fatigue, experts recommend exercising, adopting healthy sleeping habits, and prioritizing their mental health.
Until recently, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was considered a rare health condition.
Now, a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows approximately 1.3% of adults in the United States have chronic fatigue syndrome.
Based on the current U.S. population of 333 million, 1.3% of that figure equates to 4.3 million Americans.
The CDC survey included over 57,000 American adults in 2021 and 2022. They were asked if a healthcare professional diagnosed them with chronic fatigue syndrome and if they still have the illness. About 1.3% of participants answered “yes” to both.
In addition, the report shows that cases were more prevalent among women compared to men, and in people ages 50–69. White adults have a greater risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome compared to Hispanic and Asian adults, according to the survey.
Cases of chronic fatigue syndrome were reduced when households had higher incomes and families lived in rural residences.
Signs of chronic fatigue syndrome
Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome may include:
- 6 or more months of severe fatigue paired with a decreased ability to perform daily activities
- worsening symptoms after physical or mental activity that were not previously an issue
- difficulty sleeping and feeling fatigued after getting the recommended hours of sleep
“Normally, what we see in our clinic are patients who experience very deep fatigue that doesn’t relate to sleep,” said Dr. Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, chief of infectious diseases and epidemiology with UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann. Ostrosky-Zeichner wasn’t involved in the survey.
“It waxes and wanes, meaning they may feel better for a while, but when they engage in extra activity they feel overexerted.”
This type of overexertion is known as post-exertional malaise. In most cases, symptoms worsen 12–48 hours after activity and can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
“Chronic fatigue syndrome is a clinical diagnosis,” Dr. Surendra Barshikar, director of the COVID Recover Clinic at UT Southwestern Medical Center, explained. Barshikar wasn’t involved in the survey.
“The main symptoms are fatigue that impairs function and is present for more than six months, severe post exertional malaise and moderate to severe unrefreshing sleep. Most patients also report either orthostatic intolerance or moderate to severe cognitive impairment,” he told Healthline.
What’s the link between COVID and chronic fatigue?
“It’s typical to see CFS 4–6 months after Covid,” Ostrosky-Zeichner said. “To find out if a patient has chronic fatigue syndrome, it’s a diagnosis of exclusion.”
Ostrosky-Zeichner said he would first rule out any acute complications and damage from COVID in his patients before making a long COVID diagnosis.
He explained that some people may experience heart or lung damage from COVID, while others may have underlying health conditions exacerbated by the virus.
“When we can’t find anything, we conclude it’s long COVID,” Ostrosky-Zeichner said.
Barshikar explained the cause of long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome “involves a triggering challenge to the immune system from the viral infection.” He noted that both conditions are common in females.
“All the symptoms that are seen in CFS are commonly seen in long COVID,” Barshikar said, adding that symptoms may include:
- fatigue
- brain fog
- impaired sleep
- orthostatic intolerance (inability to remain upright)
Treating fatigue in long COVID requires ruling out other common causes of fatigue. According to Barshikar, these may include:
- hormonal imbalance
- electrolyte imbalance
- anemia
- poor quality sleep
- certain mental health issues
“Detailed history and time sequence of events is important. We can assume that long COVID is causing the fatigue if other causes are ruled out and history clearly suggests that symptoms started post COVID, Barshikar said.”
How is chronic fatigue syndrome treated?
Lifestyle and pharmacological interventions can be beneficial for treating chronic fatigue.
“One of the best ways to get rid of fatigue is through exercise so you don’t experience post-exertional malaise,” said Ostrosky-Zeichner. “However, it has to be the right amount of activity to build up your tolerance.”
Sleep hygiene is also important. “Getting better sleep and creating better sleep environments can help manage CFS,” he noted.
Another factor to take into consideration is mental health.
“Addressing the mental health component of CFS is important. If a patient has anxiety, depression or PTSD, it can play a role in how often and how severely they experience fatigue,” Ostrosky-Zeichner explained.
Regarding pharmacological agents, “some medications can stimulate your attention and system overall and block hormones that are related to fatigue,” he added.
However, as with any medication, consult with a healthcare professional beforehand.
But “there is no specific single treatment,” Barshikar said.
“It is important to manage sleep, nutrition, hydration and physical activity in chronic fatigue. Patients with severe fatigue and PEM [post exertional malaise] are told to plan, prioritize, prevent and pace to minimize symptoms. Certain medications like stimulants can be tried but are not typically approved or always beneficial.” Barshikar noted.
Takeaway
A new report from the CDC revealed about 1.3% adults in the U.S. have chronic fatigue syndrome. Based on current population estimates, that could be as many as 4.3 million Americans.
The condition was most common among women and in those aged 50-69.
The recent rise in chronic fatigue cases may be the result of long COVID, according to health officials.
To treat symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, health experts suggest exercising, getting enough sleep and protecting their mental health.
Millions of Americans Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, CDC Survey Says
Source: Pinoy Lang Sakalam
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