WOMEN
6 reasons why you feel tired all the time
I
s it an effort to get out of bed every morning? And does
the feeling of fatigue never really let up? If so, maybe
it's time you read up on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
(CFS). Here's some good-to-know.Occasional exhaustion is okay; just wanting to laze around and do nothing
every once in a while - not even make conversation - is
normal. But if you feel like this every day and this has
continued over months at length or if your state of mind
or body inhibits you from carrying out everyday chores, it
might be a red flag for an underlying issue. See a doctor,
get tested and rule these out first.
ANAEMIA - Watch out for pale skin, rapid heartbeat or
headache post exercise, nausea and leg cramps.
HYPOTHYROID - Watch out for puffy face, hair fall,
weight gain, dry skin, increased sensitivity to cold, stiff
joints and constipation.
DIABETES - Watch out for urinating more than usual,
extreme thirst, tingling in arms and legs, wounds taking
long to heal, weight loss and blurry vision.
CELIAC DISEASE - Watch out for diarrhoea, rumbling
stomach, nausea, fatigue, swelling in hands and feet
(caused due to water retention), bloated stomach and
unexplained weight loss.
SLEEP APNOEA - Watch out for loud snoring, periods of disturbed sleep because of laboured breathing,
morning headache and difficulty concentrating through
the day.
If You Test Negative For All The Above… You Might Be
Suffering from CFS, This disorder makes it impossible to
shake off the debilitating tiredness. Indulging in physical
or mental activity makes it worse and rest doesn't make
it any better. Other common symptoms include insomnia, dizziness, headaches, joint pain, loss of memory
or focus, over-sleeping and palpitations. In more severe cases, the patient might even become bedridden
or housebound - too tired and uninspired to deal with
everyday life.
DETECTION & TREATMENT
There is no conclusive test for CFS. Doctors work on the
principle of negation - conducting tests for ailments with
similar symptoms and cancelling them out one by one.
The cause is unknown. The medical fraternity is divided
on whether it can be categorised as a neurological disorder. The treatment focuses on symptomatic relief and
is more psychological than physical.
1. A physiotherapist, general physician and psychiatrist
often work together with the patient.
2. Times are fixed for patient's meals, workout and recreation with a maximum of half an hour designated for a
daytime nap.
3. Daily exercise is introduced in small doses - an inactive person with CFS will start with walking for just five
minutes a day.
4. To treat specific symptoms such as headaches, over
the counter painkillers or antidepressants may be prescribed.
5. Stressful situations, alcohol and caffeine are to be
avoided.
6. Family members are encouraged to get involved during therapy sessions and appointments.
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