Along
What is myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)?
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious, long-term illness that affects many body systems. Another name for it is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). ME/CFS can often make you unable to do your usual activities. Sometimes you may not even be able to get out of bed.
What causes myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)?Researchers don't yet know what causes ME/CFS. There may be more than one potential cause. It is also possible that two or more triggers might work together to cause the illness.
Researchers are studying many possible causes, including:
- Infections
- Immune system changes
- Physical or emotional stress
- Changes in the way cells in the body get their energy
- Genetics; the illness can sometimes run in families
Anyone can get ME/CFS, but it is most common in people between 40 and 60 years old. Adult women are more likely to develop it than adult men.
What are the symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)?The primary, or core, symptoms of ME/CFS are:
- Not being able to do activities that you used to do before the illness, along with severe fatigue. The fatigue must last six months or longer, and it is not improved by rest.
- Post-exertional malaise (PEM), which means that your symptoms get worse after any physical or mental activity.
- Sleep problems.
Along with the primary symptoms, to be diagnosed with ME/CFS, you need to have one or both of these symptoms:
- Problems with thinking and memory.
- Worsening of symptoms while standing or sitting upright. This is called orthostatic intolerance. It can cause you to feel lightheaded, dizzy, weak, or faint while standing or sitting up.
Some of the other symptoms that ME/CFS can cause include:
- Pain, including muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches
- Sore throat
- Tender lymph nodes (glands) in the neck or armpits
- Digestive issues, like irritable bowel syndrome
- Chills and night sweats
- Allergies and sensitivities to foods, odors, chemicals, light, or noise
ME/CFS can be unpredictable. Your symptoms may come and go. They may change over time; sometimes they might get better, and other times they may get worse.
How is myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) diagnosed?ME/CFS can be difficult to diagnose. There is no specific test for ME/CFS, and other illnesses can cause similar symptoms. Your health care provider has to rule out other diseases before making a diagnosis of ME/CFS.
Your provider will do a thorough medical exam, which will include:
- Asking about your medical history and your family's medical history.
- Asking about your current illness, including your symptoms. Some questions they may ask could include how often you have symptoms, how bad they are, how long they have lasted, and how they affect your life.
- Thorough physical and mental status exams.
- Blood, urine, or other tests to check for other illnesses which could be causing your symptoms.
Your provider may also ask you to see a specialist to check for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms.
What are the treatments for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)?There is no cure or approved treatment for ME/CFS, but you may be able to treat or manage some of your symptoms.
You, your family, and your provider should work together to decide on a plan. You should figure out which symptom causes you the most problems and try to treat that first. For example, if sleep problems affect you the most, you might first try using good sleep habits. If those do not help, you may need to take medicines or see a sleep specialist.
Strategies such as learning new ways to manage activity can also be helpful. You need to make sure that you do not "push and crash." This can happen when you feel better, do too much, and then get worse again.
When you have ME/CFS, it can be hard to help develop a treatment plan. It can also be difficult to try to take care of yourself. So it's important that you have support from family members and friends.
There are also various resources and strategies that might be helpful to you, such as:
- Getting counseling to help you cope with the illness and its impact on your life.
- Eating a healthy diet.
- Nutritional supplements, if your provider suggests them.
- Complementary therapies such as meditation, gentle massage, or relaxation therapy.
Make sure to talk to your provider before you try any new treatments. Some treatments that are promoted as cures for ME/CFS are unproven, often costly, and could be dangerous.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Home Remedies for Along
Frankincense essential oil calms, fights fatigue, and increases circulation. Used with a carrier oil, it helps heal eczema, psoriasis and dandruff, all alongside that lovely scent.IvanTurgenev | July 15th, 2018
Olive Oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 are prostaglandins which increase blood flow, reduce inflammation and the formation of blood clots. Three polyphenolic compounds in olive oil, oleuropein, tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, along with mono-unsaturated fat, may be responsible for preventing LDL cholesterol from being oxidized and sticking to the inner walls of arteries. This is referred to as plaque, which restricts blood flow.
Mechanism - oleuropein, tyrosol, hydroxytyrosolSleslie | August 27th, 2020
Felter's Materia Medica on Along
A dried... / ...tance of mucilaginous character abstracted from several species of sea weeds (marine algae) growing along the coast of Asia. Most of it comes from Japan. Dose, 1 to 4 drachms. Common Name: Agar-agar. ... / ...crackers are prepared from it and may be procured in the general trade. Agar is also used as a culture medium in making labaratory cultures. 2
The rhizome and rootlets of Asarum canadense, Linné (Nat. Ord.... / ...tolochiaceae). A native perennial of the United States found in rich soils in woods, mountains, and along road sides. Dose, 5 to 30 grains. Common Names: Wild Ginger, Indian Ginger, Canada Snakeroot. ...2
The ripe fruit, dried, of Capsicum frutescens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Tropical America; also cultivated in most tropical countries. Dose,... / ...ve or the degree of inflammation present. We have used it with great satisfaction for pain coursing along the spermatic cord in the lower quadrant of the abdomen. It must not, however, be allowed to c...2
The root and stem of Brunfelsia (Franciscea) uniflora, Pohl (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). A tropical American shrub. Common Names: Manaca, Vegetable... / ...ciscea. Dose, 10 to 60 drops. Action and Therapy.Diuretic and probably alterative. It is employed along the Amazon for rheumatism and syphilis. It is capable of producing gastro-enteritis and death.... / ...to act somewhat like guaiac.2
The root of Hydrangea arborescens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Saxifragaceae). A handsome shrub along streams and in damp, rocky situations in the southern and... / The root of Hydrangea arborescens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Saxifragaceae). A handsome shrub along streams and in damp, rocky situations in the southern and middlewest states of this country. D... / ...Unquestionably hydrangea has a kindly action upon the mucosa of the urinary organs and it has alterative properties making it useful in strumous diseases.2
The leaves, tops, and seeds of Lobelia inflata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Lobeliaceae). Abundant in the United States. Dose, 1 to 60 grains. Common... / ...ation in the throat and fauces, accompanied by slight nausea and a feeling of warmth and distention along the esophageal tract and in the stomach. The sensation is not very unlike that produced by tob...2
The dry, ripe seeds of Strychnos Nux vomica, Linné (Nat. Ord.... / .... According to the U. S. P. it should contain at least 2.5 per cent of nux vomica alkaloids. India, along the Coromandel Coast, Ceylon, and other parts of the East Indies. Dose, 1/20 to 2 grains. Comm... / ...and the heart from cramp asphyxia. The body stiffens after death and this rigidity has been known to persist for months. The smallest doses 2
The... / ...tly dried root and fruit of Phytolacca americana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Phytolaccaceae). North America, along roadsides and fences, and in clearings and uncultivated fields; grows also in northern Africa,...2
The whole plant of... / ...go major, Linné (Nat. Ord. Plantaginaceae). A very common weed everywhere, especially in lawns and along roadsides, growing in rich soils. Common Names: Plantain, Rib Grass, Ribwort. Principal Consti... / ...Plantago is reputed useful in bed wetting in children, due to relaxation of the vesical sphincter, with copious discharge of pale urine.2
The bark and aments of Salix nigra, Linné (Nat. Ord. Salicaceae); United States, particularly along streams in New York and Pennsylvania. Common... / The bark and aments of Salix nigra, Linné (Nat. Ord. Salicaceae); United States, particularly along streams in New York and Pennsylvania. Common Names: Black Willow, Pussy Willow. Principal Cons... / ...strengthen the reproductive tract when pollutions are the result of sexual intemperance, libidinous thoughts by day, and lascivious dreams by night.2
The rhizome and roots of Sanguinaria canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord.... / ...ered in autumn after the leaves and scape have died to the ground. Found in woods and clearings and along old fences in North America from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Atlantic to the wes... / ...in debilitated subjects. When due to vicarious menstruation, hemorrhage from the lungs is said to have been controlled by it. It may be used als2
The dried leaflets of (1) Cassia acutifolia, Delile, or of (2) Cassia angustifolia, Vahl (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). (1) Eastern and central Africa;... / ... when used alone. While it influences the whole intestinal tract, exciting peristalsis as it passes along, the greater action is exerted upon the colon. This renders it a certain purgative, for by thi... / ...woman, and for children. It may be given in water, or the readyprepared lozenges may be used, the patient partaking also of plenty of water.2
The dried rhizome and roots of Spigelia marilandica, Linné (Nat. Ord. Loganiaceae). Southern United States; less plentiful in northern parts of... / ...guard against relapses of cardiac rheumatism. Cardiac neuralgia with palpitation and pain extending along the arm is also said to be relieved by it. For these purposes the fractional dose is to be pre...2
...with a sensation of in complete urethral evacuation-a sensation as if a drop of urine were rolling along in the canal; menstrual derangements, with long intermenstrual intervals and prolonged flow; s......e conditions being associated with depression of spirits and a sense of restlessness and irritation along the course of the urethra. It is especially useful in renal incontinence of old men with teasi......nse of incomplete urination with a feeling as if a drop of urine were constantly attempting to pass along the urethral canal. The indications for staphisagria, as concisely stated by us in the America...2
Veratrine, Veratria. A mixture of alkaloids obtained from the seeds of Schoenocaulon officinale, Asa Gray (Sabadilla officinarum, Brandt; Asagrea... / ...iac depression; pallor of face and great faintness; cold sweats; muscular twitching and aching pain along the spine; contracted abdomen and pupils; and occasionally extreme pruritus and tingling which...2
References
2) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.