Chronic Fatigue Syndrome And Our
Youth
The disease commonly affects more females than males, affects all racial and ethnic nationalities, is more
prevalent in the 20 to 40 age group, but can strike our youth. Scientists have been studying Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome (CFS) to see if there is any correlation between the disease and certain metabolic disorders, and or risk
factors such as age, sex, prior illnesses, environment, and stress.
When children exhibit the symptoms of CFS, their physicians will want to do a complete physical examination as well
as to take a through medical family history. The youth or parent (if the patient is young) will need to ask
questions regarding the symptoms they are having, onset (when the symptoms started), and the severity of the
symptoms. Other questions may include the following:
Cognitive Skills - how has the child been performing at school? Have there been any noticeable lapses in memory or
decreased thinking skills?
Have there been any changes in the child's personality?
How has the child been psychologically?
Has the child suffered from any bouts of anxiety or depression?
Chronic Fatigue Fast Facts
First Doctor Visit For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome And What To Expect
Once you have decided to see a medical professional concerning your symptoms, the best place to start is with your primary care physician. There is no one single test that will tell you that your symptoms are related to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Basically what will happen is your physician will take a full medical history from you. Try to give as much detail as possible regarding your medical history including any stresses, depressions, and illnesses as well as a detailed description of...
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How has your child's activity level been?
Does the child complain of any pain?
Does the child complain of being overly tired?
Have there been any complaints of vision difficulties, objects floating in front of them?
It can be difficult to assess a child who is complaining of fatigue due to the fact that children can be tired for
many reasons. The reasons can range from being overly taxed at school, to too much extra-curricular activities, and
possibly the old getting out of school excuse "I'm too tired to go to school". The physician will be looking for
symptoms that have lasted for 6 months or longer in duration. A determination will be made to see if there is any
explanation for the symptoms other than disease.
Children may exhibit any of these symptoms, but the physician will be looking to see if any four of these symptoms
present themselves during the question period.
Severe, chronic fatigue for at least 6 months or longer that is not alleviated by rest
Forgetfulness or showing signs of having difficulty in concentrating
Persistant sore throat
Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpit
Complaints of muscle pain or joint pain that does not involve swelling or redness
Headaches different from those usually experienced, in which a new pattern, or severity is noticed.
Feeling still tired when first waking up and having vague feelings of illness or perhaps
depression
Extreme tiredness after exerting him or herself, lasting more than 24 hours following the physical activity
Extreme fatigue lasting more than 24 hours not associated with physical activity
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can especially be difficult to diagnose in children because the symptoms mimic other
diseases. The physician will need to run urine and blood tests and possibly other tests to first rule out any other
cause for the child's symptoms. You will need to tell the physician about any allergies or medications the child
may be taking. Your physician will most likely refer the child to a psychologist or therapist to Access the child's
cognitive skills, psychological profiles and personality in relationship to the symptoms. You may be required to
take the child back to the physician for follow up visits to determine any change in symptoms. You will be able to
discuss a treatment plan that will help the child to function as normally as possible and to help alleviate the
symptoms. The physician is there is help you understand CFS and what having CFS means to your child's ability to
function and participate in school and daily activities. Asking questions, gaining knowledge and participating in
your child's treatment plan will help your child to cope with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
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