Chronic fatigue is a disorder that causes fatigue. Unlike typical feeling of tiredness, chronic fatigue doesn't go away after rest. Instead, it limits a person's ability to perform simple activities and can last for a long time. The main symptom is severe fatigue that lasts for many months. Patients can also have other symptoms such as muscle pain, headaches, memory loss, tiredness after physical activity, sore throat, sleep problems, and pain in joints.
Chronic fatigue is hard to diagnose because many other illnesses have similar symptoms and there are no tests to diagnose it. Your health care provider will have to rule out other illnesses before diagnosing chronic fatigue.
The causes of the disease are unknown. It is common in women in their 50s, but everyone can get it. Chronic fatigue lasts for at least five years, and there is no cure. However, some treatments can improve symptoms. Treatments include medicines to treat pain and coping techniques to help you with daily activities.
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