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Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: Chronic fatigue syndrome” published in Indian Express on 13th August 2022.
What is the News?
A woman from Bengaluru has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court to stop her friend who has been suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since 2014 from travelling to Europe to undergo physician-assisted euthanasia.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS).
It is a serious and debilitating disease that affects the nervous system, the immune system and the body’s production of energy.
Causes: Its causes are still unknown. However, the potential triggers would include viral or bacterial infection, hormonal imbalances and genetic predispositions. There is no specific test for the disease and doctors have to rely on medical examinations, and blood and urine tests.
Vulnerable Group: ME/CFS can affect anyone from children to adults of all ages. But it is more common in women and people between 40 and 60 years old.
Symptoms: The biggest symptom is significantly lowered ability to do activities that were performed before the illness. This is accompanied by at least 6 months (or longer) of debilitating fatigue that is more severe than everyday feelings of tiredness. This fatigue is not relieved by sleep or rest and exercising usually makes the symptoms worse.
– The most recognizable symptom is post-exertional malaise(PEM). Patients often describe it as a “crash” in physical/mental energy following even minor activities like grocery shopping or brushing teeth.
Treatment: As of yet, there is no specific cure or approved treatment. Instead, doctors recommend ways to deal with the symptoms of the disease such as ‘pacing’ in which patients learn to balance rest and activity to prevent crashes caused by exertion.
