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Chronic fatigue treatment
Since no cause for has been identified, treatments are used for relieving the symptoms, as for the patient to regain some level of pre-existing function and well-being. But a rapid return to pre-illness health may not be realistic; patients expecting this prompt recovery and not experiencing it may exacerbate their , become frustrated or refractory to rehabilitation.
Decisions regarding treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome should be made only in consultation with a health care provider, who can develop, together with the patient, a suitable program with the greatest benefit. Currently, most health care providers with experience in dealing with CFS use combinations of therapies.
Non-Pharmacologic Therapy
Physical activity is required by everyone for physical and emotional well-being and are no exception. The key consideration is to know how much to do and when to stop the activity, avoiding increasing the level of fatigue. But, although patients should be as active as possible, clinicians might need to explain the disorder to employers and family members, advising them on how to help. The program of exercise and/or the exercise itself should be supervised by a knowledgeable health care provider or physical therapist.
Non-pharmacologic therapies include sometimes acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, cranial-sacral, self-hypnosis, and therapeutic touch. These modalities are most effective combined with patient-generated activity, including aquatic therapy, light exercise (adapted to personal capabilities), and stretching. Some patients may prefer to practice yoga or tai chi that requires more energy.
Pharmacologic Therapy
Pharmacologic therapy is directed toward the relief of specific symptoms experienced by the individual patient. Patients with CFS appear particularly sensitive to many medications, especially those that affect the central nervous system. Thus, the usual treatment strategy is to begin with very low doses and to gradually increase dosage as necessary and as tolerated.
There are currently no approved prescription medications for use in chronic fatigue syndrome patients. There are, however, a number of used to treat some of the CFS’ symptoms like sleeping problems, muscle pain, vomiting and others. Many are recommended for effects that may be unrelated to their primary use. These may include antidepressants, antifungals, antihistamines, antiviral, CNS depressants (or stimulants), immunoglobulins, cardiac medications, anti-inflammatories, anticonvulsants, corticoids, and expectorants.
Because drugs may be harmful or may aggravate existing symptoms, medications should be taken only prescribed by in chronic fatigue syndrome.
Natural Supplements and Herbal Preparations
Dietary supplements and herbal preparations are claimed to have potential benefits for CFS patients. But, even if the common belief is that "natural" origin of a product is good, this does not ensure safety; this kind of products could produce serious side reactions and some could interfere or interact with prescription medications.
Preparations that have been claimed to have benefit for CFS patients include vitamins, coenzymes, minerals (adenosine monophosphate, coenzyme Q-10, germanium, glutathione, iron, magnesium sulfate, melatonin, NADH, selenium, l-tryptophan, vitamins B12, C, and A, zinc).
Some patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome may improve their state by using herbal preparation from borage seed oil, bromelain, comfrey, echinacea, garlic, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng (in low dose), primrose oil, quercetin, St. John's wort, and Shiitake mushroom extract. |
