Chronic Fatigue Syndrome In Teenagers
In This Article
Does your teenager find it difficult to concentrate on her studies? Does she suffer from frequent headaches, and does she seem tired all time? If you nodded along anxiously, then your teenager might be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Read our post to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome in teenagers.
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disorder where the affected teen suffers extreme, unexplained fatigue. The Fatigue tends to worsen with respect to physical and mental activities and fails to improve even with adequate rest (1).
Causes Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome In Teenagers:
Even though the exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not clear, scientists believe certain infections or immunity problems can trigger the condition. Here are some possible causes of teenage fatigue.
1. Viral Infections:
Some teens tend to suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome after having a viral infection. Scientists suspect that viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus, mouse leukemia virus, and human herpesvirus 6, might be the cause of the complicated condition in teens (2).
2. Autoimmune Problems:
Medical studies conclude that certain autoimmune issues, such as allergic reactions or impairment, can be the cause of the chronic fatigue syndrome in teens (3).
[ Read: Symptoms Of Meningitis In Teens ]
3. Hormonal Imbalances:
Scientists believe that teens experiencing abnormal blood levels of hormones can be one of the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome. Abnormal production of hormone due to the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and adrenal glands secretion can lead to the condition (4).
4. Emotional Stress:
Medical studies believe that emotional stress may trigger chronic fatigue syndrome in teens. Teens with the chronic fatigue syndrome tend to produce stress hormones, such as cortisol, that affect their immune system adversely (5).
[ Read: Stress Management Tips for Teens ]
Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome In Teens:
Even though fatigue is a prominent symptom of the disorder in teens, there are other symptoms that the your teen may exhibit. Symptoms include:
- Difficulty to concentrate.
- Loss of memory.
- Tender lymph nodes.
- Headaches.
- Sore throat.
- Tenderness and pain in joints and muscles.
- Fatigue
- Unrefreshing sleep.
- Feeling dizzy while standing up.
- Sensitivity to certain foods and smells, bright lights, alcohol, and cigarette smoke (6).
If your teen experiences any of the above symptoms for a prolonged period, then it is wise to see your doctor as soon as possible.
[ Read: Short Term Memory Loss In Teens ]
Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome In Teens:
Treatments for fatigue in teens focus on providing relief. Here are some of the prominent treatments for the condition in teens.
1. Medications:
Depending on the condition of your teen, the doctor may recommend appropriate medications to alleviate the symptoms. Medications include:
- Antidepressants:
You will find teens suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome are often in a depressed condition. Treating the depression helps your teen to deal with several problems that she suffers due to chronic fatigue syndrome. So, the doctor prescribes low doses of antidepressants to help improve your teen’s sleep and mood and mitigate the pain (7).
- Sleeping Pills:
If avoiding caffeine doesn’t help your affected teen to obtain rest or relief, then your doctor might recommend an appropriate dose of sleeping pills (8).
[ Read: Causes Of Celiac Disease In Teens ]
2. Graded Exercise:
Visiting a physical therapist can help you finalize what types of exercises are the most suitable for your teen with chronic fatigue syndrome. The therapist may recommend range-of-motion and stretching exercises. Gradually, your teen’s strength and endurance of will improve, and the therapist will recommend more intense exercises over time (9).
3. Psychological Counseling:
An expert counselor can help your teenager with chronic fatigue syndrome to work around some limitations that the condition imposes on her. Counseling greatly helps to improve your attitude and lead life positively (10).
Did your teenager suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome? What did you do to treat the fatigue in teenagers effectively? Share your invaluable knowledge and experience with other concerned moms. Leave a comment below.
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