The management plan for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) aims to improve patients' long-term fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and physical discomfort. The treatment objectives are symptom relief, restoration of daily functioning, and prevention of symptom deterioration. Common treatment modalities include pharmacotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), physical rehabilitation training, and nutritional adjustments.
Individualized treatment plans should be tailored based on the patient's age, severity of symptoms, and comorbid conditions. Most plans require 6-12 weeks to show effects, with regular assessments to evaluate efficacy and adjust strategies accordingly.
Pharmacotherapy: Utilizes antidepressants (such as SSRIs) to regulate neurotransmitter levels or immune modulators to improve inflammatory responses. For example, low-dose amitriptyline can alleviate muscle soreness.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Involves psychological counseling to modify patients' perceptions of fatigue and assist in establishing gradual activity plans. Therapists analyze patients' routines and set daily activity goals.
Pharmacotherapy should follow these principles:
Multimodal treatment can improve quality of life in 60-70% of patients. Studies show:
Non-invasive therapies reduce the risk of side effects and are suitable for long-term management. Most patients can regain 70% of daily activity capacity within 6 months.
Potential side effects of medications include:
Serious reactions: 0.5% of patients may experience drug allergies or abnormal blood glucose levels, requiring immediate discontinuation and medical attention.
Contraindications include:
Potential underlying causes such as hypothyroidism or sleep apnea should be excluded before treatment. During therapy, self-adjustment of medication dosage is prohibited.
When combined with analgesics, attention should be paid to:
Patients undergoing chemotherapy should adjust exercise intensity and do so under oncologist supervision.
The 2020 Cochrane review indicates:
Biofeedback therapy improved autonomic nervous system function in 68% of patients but has limited effects on severe cases.
Non-traditional therapies include:
Herbal treatments should be used cautiously, as some supplements (e.g., Astragalus) may affect immune function.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments for chronic fatigue often include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy, working synergistically with Western medical approaches like nutritional supplementation or stress management. Physicians assess the patient's constitution and develop personalized plans, such as combining Western vitamins to regulate metabolism and immune function, strictly following medical instructions.
How to handle potential side effects when using Chinese herbal medicine?Side effects of Chinese herbal treatments for chronic fatigue are usually mild, but some individuals may experience dry mouth or gastrointestinal discomfort. It is recommended to start with low doses and fixed administration times (e.g., after meals). If severe discomfort occurs, stop medication immediately and consult a physician. Do not adjust dosages independently.
What are specific recommendations for gentle exercise to alleviate chronic fatigue?Gentle exercises such as walking, Tai Chi, or yoga are advised, lasting 20-30 minutes per session, 3-4 times a week, avoiding strenuous activities. Post-exercise, deep breathing or meditation can promote blood circulation. Exercise intensity should be comfortable enough not to cause shortness of breath and should be adjusted based on daily physical capacity.
What dietary precautions should be observed during treatment?Avoid cold, greasy, and processed foods, such as cold drinks, fried foods, and products with preservatives, as they may worsen spleen deficiency symptoms. It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals, increase intake of dark vegetables and whole grains, and use medicinal ingredients like Astragalus and Angelica under medical guidance. Avoid self-medicating.
How should follow-up and relapse prevention be planned after treatment?Periodic assessments of physical condition and symptoms should be conducted every 3-6 months, with a "Fatigue Diary" to record daily energy fluctuations. To prevent relapse, maintain regular routines, avoid staying up late, and undergo regular pulse and tongue diagnosis by TCM practitioners. Adjust herbal prescriptions or increase acupuncture sessions as needed.
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