Persistent Fatigue? Expert Highlights Signs of a Serious Illness

 

Persistent Fatigue? Expert Highlights Signs of a Serious Illness

A general physician has warned that if you often feel extreme fatigue, you should watch out for two key red-flag symptoms that could indicate a serious illness.

Dr. Mili Raizada, a hormone health expert at the UK’s NHS, explains that while feeling tired occasionally is normal and not usually a cause for concern, persistent fatigue lasting several weeks requires medical attention.

According to Dr. Mili, if you experience exhaustion even after light physical activity (such as climbing stairs or attending a yoga class), this is known as Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM). It can be a sign of a severe fatigue-related condition.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

This condition, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), affects around 250,000 people in the UK. It can significantly impact daily life, making even simple tasks challenging.

Key symptoms include:

• Persistent sleep disturbances

• Difficulty concentrating, thinking, and remembering

• Struggles with daily activities and work

According to the Royal College of Surgeons, only 10% of patients receive an accurate diagnosis because the symptoms are often overlooked.

Dr. Mili Raizada’s Warning

Dr. Mili warns that fatigue lasting for more than six months is enough to warrant a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or ME. However, even fatigue lasting a few weeks should not be ignored.

She emphasizes that early diagnosis and blood tests can help identify or rule out potential causes.

Other Symptoms to Watch Out For

In addition to fatigue, other symptoms of CFS/ME include:

• Memory problems and difficulty focusing

• Muscle and joint pain

• Unexplained headaches

• Dizziness and rapid heartbeat

• Frequent sore throat or swollen glands (suggesting immune system dysfunction)

Treatment and Management

Currently, there is no definitive cure for CFS. However, doctors recommend several strategies to manage symptoms:

• Medications: Antidepressants can sometimes help reduce symptoms.

• Physiotherapy and Counseling: These can provide significant relief.

• Energy Management: Learning to use energy efficiently throughout the day is considered one of the best approaches.

Famous Figures Affected

British actress and comedian Miranda Hart has spoken about her three-decade struggle with this illness. Initially misdiagnosed with agoraphobia (fear of crowds and open spaces), she later discovered that the real cause was Lyme disease, which eventually led to CFS.

CFS is a condition affecting millions of lives worldwide. Experts emphasize that early diagnosis and proper care are the best ways to manage the disease effectively.