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Chronic fatigue in children
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)is frequently met in adults. But there are, unfortunately, cases of children and adolescents suffering from this disease.
In the few published studies, chronic fatigue was detectable in adolescents, but less common than in adult populations, approximately 20 per 100,000, compared with 200 per 100,000 for adults. One study that included children of 2 to 11 years revealed no cases. Children with CFS often experience an alternating pattern of relapses and remission and the majority do not report a progressive worsening of their symptoms.
Statistics show that 10-15 percent of people with CFS have one or more family members who also have the illness, leading researchers to speculate on that genetics role.
CFS DIAGNISIS IN CHILDREN
Diagnosis of chronic fatigue in young people is difficult because they are physically, emotionally and socially different from adults. Pediatric CFS is frequently misdiagnosed as a behavioral or emotional problem, in particular school phobia, fact that could lead to isolation, insecurity and family stress. But, unlike children with school phobia, children suffering from CFS are ill on weekends as well as during the school week.
PEDIATRIC CFS SYMPTOMS
The in children are similar to those of adults, including debilitating fatigue, impaired memory or concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle pain and headaches that persist for more than six months and cannot be explained by any other medical or psychological disorders.
Children with CFS are more likely than adults to report dizziness, abdominal pain, rash, fever and chills. Neurological symptoms may be overlooked because children do not have as much experience with and are less sure of their cognitive abilities.
The majority of children with chronic fatigue syndrome (up to 94%) experience worsening of their performance due to the physical and cognitive symptoms. 20-44 percent of them must be home-schooled because they are too ill to attend classes.
for children is similar to the one for adults, and is focused on relieving specific symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, pain, gastrointestinal difficulties, allergies and dizziness. Attention must be paid because children with chronic fatigue can have unusual responses to medications.
The chronic fatigue in children makes them change their lifestyle, including increased rest, dietary restrictions and very light exercise. | 
