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CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
IN ATHLETES
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by Herman
Falsetti, M.D.
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Chronic fatigue syndrome is
a controversial disease. In the general population, the diagnosis is made
by the symptoms of debilitating fatigue of at least 6 months duration
and the absence of any other disease. If the fatigue is longer than one
month, but less than 6 months, it is called prolonged fatigue. There is
no known single cause or known medical drug which cures it.
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Athletes who are more in tune
with their body, I believe, are a different group than the general population.
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THE CAUSE: In athletes, the
cause is often linked to the Epstein-Barr Virus that is transmitted from
person to person by close contact such as kissing, sharing a water bottle
or coughing.
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SYMPTOMS: Most athletes initially
complain of a failure of recovery from exercise. The signs and symptoms
include fever, sore throat, appetite loss, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged
liver and spleen. There are also impairments of short term memory concentration,
insomnia and muscle pain. |
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DIAGNOSIS: The diagnosis
is made by history, physical exam and some very specific blood tests. The
normal course of the illness is 3 weeks to 1 year. The longer it takes to
make the diagnosis, the longer it takes for treatment and recovery. The
most common error is exercising harder in the hope of improving fitness.
This usually makes the condition worse. The diagnosis can only be made after
alternative medical and neuropsychiatric causes have been excluded. |
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TREATMENT: There
is no known drug which cures the chronic fatigue syndrome so treatment consists
of diet, vitamin supplements and a carefully monitored low level exercise
program. Exercise 20-30 beats below anerobic threshold. It is important
to keep a training diary and exercise with a heart rate monitor. Recovery
is monitored by resting heart rate, exercise heart rate and blood tests.
For example, the exercise or activity is increased if resting heart rates
stay the same or are decreased. If blood tests show an increase in EBV-IGM
antibodies, exercise is often decreased. Thus, it is important to consult
with a physician early to determine fitness level and blood antibody status.
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Dr. Falsetti is an acknowledged
expert in Chronic Fatigue and Epstein Barr-Virus infection. |
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If you have questions or wish
to have medical testing done call Dr. Falsetti at 949 727 1900. |
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FURTHER INFORMATION ON CFIDS |
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1) CFIDS Association of America
Free information 800 442 3437
2) CFIDS Health Watch Newsletter
and Buyers Club 800 366 6056
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