Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: is a condition that has been compared to a long-standing flu. The least amount of physical and mental effort causes exhaustion and weakness. There are overall body aches, with joint and muscle pain. A weakened immune system allows infections, low grade fevers and swollen lymph glands. The mind and spirit are affected by the fatigue and weakness. It is further complicated by poor memory and concentration, and episodes of anxiety and depression are common. In this condition, the hypothalamus produces insufficient levels of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), and as a result, the body cannot produce enough cortisol (part of the immune system). A weakened immune system due to previous viral infections is largely responsible for chronic fatigue syndrome, and is alternately known as immune dysfunction syndrome.

Epstein-Barr Virus: the herpes virus that causes infectious mononucleosis and other lymphatic dysfunction diseases. Infectious mononucleosis is characterized by fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, atypical lymphocytes, an abnormal enlargement of the spleen and liver, abnormal liver function and bruising. All of these major symptoms usually disappear within two to three weeks, but for at least two more weeks, the person will feel weak and lack energy.