To be considered as rare diseaseeach specific pathology can only affect less than 5 in 10,000 inhabitants (or less than 1 in 50,000 people, in the case of ultra rare ones).
However, the set of these rare pathologies, which according to the World Health Organization (WHO) number almost 7,000, affects a large number of people, including 6 and 8% of the world population; that is, approximately 500 million people. In Spain alone it is estimated that there are more than 3 million patients suffering from rare diseases. Among these diseases known as rare is Chronic fatigue syndrome (SFC).
This pathology is characterized by the production of a intense and continuous tirednessthat also not relieved by rest and, to make matters worse, it is not directly caused by other diseases.
Causes
It is not known cause exact factor that can determine the appearance of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, although some theories suggest that it could be due to some viruses or inflammation of the nervous system, due to a defective response of the immune system.
Between the risk factors They include age, stress, genetics, environmental factors and suffering from a previous illness.
This rare disease is also known to strike more frequently women between the ages of thirty and fifty.
Symptoms
Los symptoms that a patient with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome presents are very similar to those who might suffer, for example, from flu and other common viral diseasesi.e. muscle aches, headaches and, of course, extreme tiredness. However, in the case of CFS, these symptoms last longer, about six months and sometimes even more, and they are so intense prevent you from carrying out daily activities normally.
In addition to these common symptoms, there are others that may also occur in patients, such as:
Feel tiredness for the next 24 hours having performed an exercise normally considered simple.
I don’t feel rested after sleeping enough hours.
I’m not having a good time memory.
Have difficulty concentrating.
Feel confusion.
Suffer joint pain but without swelling or redness.
Suffer heachache different from those suffered in the past.
Irritability.
Fever.
muscle weakness.
Sore throat.
Tenderness in the lymph nodes in the neck or armpit.
Diagnosis
The best way to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome is to rule out that the fatigue felt by the patient is due to it other causes for example:
Drug addiction.
Autoimmune or immune disorders.
Infections.
Muscular or neurological diseaseslike multiple sclerosis.
Endocrine diseasessuch as hypothyroidism.
Other diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.
Psychiatric or psychological illnessesparticularly depression.
Tumors.
In addition to the absence of other causes that can cause chronic fatigue, to diagnose CFS is necessary at least four of the symptoms specific to this disease and extreme or prolonged tiredness. And it’s important to remember that there are no specific tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
currently does not exist no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, then treatment will only consist of relieving the symptoms. Many patients suffer from depression and other psychological problems that may improve with treatment.
In general, the treatment covers:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and graded exercise for some patients.
healthy diet.
Sleep management techniques.
Medicines to reduce pain, discomfort, and fever.
Medications to treat anxiety (anxiolytics).
Drugs to treat depression (antidepressants).
Furthermore, experts advise to these patients:
Maintain an active social life.
Light physical exercise supervised by your doctor.
Relaxation and stress reduction techniques.
Source: Medline Plus.
Images (in order of appearance): Betsssssy/Flickr, storebukkebruse/Flickr, jazbeck/Flickr, @boetter/Flickr and Vinni123/Flickr.</
04/01/2013 12:04
This information should never replace the advice of a doctor. If you have any questions, please consult the professionals.
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the crucial topic of rare diseases, with a particular focus on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). We have with us Dr. Maria Fernández, a leading expert in rare diseases. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Fernández!
Dr. Fernández: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important and often misunderstood condition.
Interviewer: To start off, could you explain what classifies a disease as “rare”?
Dr. Fernández: Absolutely! A disease is considered rare when it affects fewer than 5 in 10,000 inhabitants, while ultra-rare diseases affect fewer than 1 in 50,000 people. Interestingly, despite the rarity of individual diseases, collectively they impact a significant portion of the population. For example, approximately 500 million people worldwide are affected by more than 7,000 known rare diseases, including CFS.
Interviewer: Wow, that’s a staggering number! How many people in Spain are impacted by rare diseases, specifically?
Dr. Fernández: In Spain, it’s estimated that over 3 million people suffer from rare diseases. This highlights the importance of awareness and research in this area, as many individuals remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Interviewer: Let’s zero in on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. What are the primary symptoms that differentiate it from typical fatigue?
Dr. Fernández: CFS is characterized by intense and persistent fatigue that isn’t relieved by rest. Patients often experience symptoms akin to the flu, such as muscle aches and headaches. However, CFS symptoms last for six months or longer, which is crucial for diagnosis. Patients may also face post-exertional malaise, meaning they feel extremely fatigued for 24 hours after even simple activities, and they often do not feel rested after a full night’s sleep.
Interviewer: That sounds incredibly challenging. What do we know about the potential causes of this syndrome?
Dr. Fernández: Unfortunately, the exact cause of CFS remains elusive. Some theories suggest it may stem from viral infections, immune system dysfunction, or neurological inflammation. Certain risk factors like age, stress, genetics, and prior illnesses appear to influence its development, with women aged 30 to 50 being particularly vulnerable.
Interviewer: That’s fascinating yet worrying. Given these complexities, how is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome diagnosed?
Dr. Fernández: Diagnosis can be particularly tricky. It’s primarily a process of elimination, ensuring that the fatigue isn’t due to other medical issues like autoimmune disorders, infections, or psychiatric conditions. To confirm a diagnosis of CFS, a patient must exhibit extreme tiredness and at least four additional symptoms specific to the syndrome.
Interviewer: Is there effective treatment available for CFS patients?
Dr. Fernández: Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Management typically focuses on alleviating symptoms. This may include a combination of lifestyle modifications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications to address specific symptoms like pain or sleep disturbances. Education and support are invaluable, as is understanding that this condition can vary significantly from one patient to another.
Interviewer: Thank you for shedding light on such a complex issue, Dr. Fernández. What would you say to someone who’s just been diagnosed with CFS?
Dr. Fernández: I would say it’s essential to be patient with yourself. CFS is not just a phase of feeling tired. Joining support groups can be beneficial, as sharing experiences can help with emotional resilience. It’s also important to work closely with healthcare providers who understand the condition, as a tailored approach can make a significant difference in managing the symptoms.
Interviewer: Wise advice indeed! Thank you, Dr. Fernández, for your insights into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the broader context of rare diseases. It’s clear that awareness and understanding are key to improving the lives of those affected.
Dr. Fernández: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial that we keep the conversation going to ensure that patients receive the care and recognition they deserve.
Interviewer: Absolutely! This has been an enlightening discussion. Thank you to our audience for tuning into Time.news!