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
Dear Chronic Fatigue Patients And Their Physicians
If I were to speak with or write a letter to chronic fatigue patients and their physicians I would want to put in that letter the very latest information from researchers and highly regarded physicians. Some of the information may be gleaned from the results of a think tank. A think tank is an organization or group of experts researching and advising on issues of society, science, technology, industry, or business. They are opportunities for learning. A think tank may be organized in order to...
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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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