Fitness and Health Tips Today

How to Help your Child with Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can affect anyone at any time. It usually occurs in adulthood but children are not immune. If your child has been diagnosed with this disease, there are ways that you can help.

The cause of CFS is unknown. Researchers have speculated that it could be the result of a viral or bacterial infection or other illness but there is as yet no proof. For now, doctors are dealing with the symptoms.

Children have also been affected by chronic fatigue syndrome. Because of the developmental stages of children and their unpredictability, it takes a watchful parent to notice that something is wrong. The symptoms of the disease include:

* Pain in the joints
* Tiredness that persists for more than 24 hours
* Headaches
* Problems concentrating
* Sore throat
* Lymph node tenderness in armpits and neck
* Chills
* Diarrhea
* Appetite and weight changes
* Mild fever

Like with adults, doctors will try and rule out other conditions that could be the cause of your child’s problems. Most of the symptoms on the list are indicative of the flu. However, the flu doesn’t last for six months or longer.

Don’t feel helpless. There are ways that you can help your child through this disease. Develop a schedule for your child. Begin with exercise. While it may seem that more movement could further deplete energy stores, regular exercise increases strength which can alleviate some of the pain.

Evaluating the way that your child eats may help with the symptoms of CFS. For instance, eating a diet that is high in fiber can help with diarrhea. Avoid letting your child drink sodas with caffeine and eating desserts filled with sugar. Caffeine can increase sleeplessness, while sugar spikes blood sugar levels which increase tiredness once it plummets. To manage the fatigue, eating smaller meals and including complex carbohydrates leads to a steady release of energy throughout the day.

Children are not too small to benefit from massage therapy. Whether you do it yourself or carry them to see an experienced masseuse, alternative therapies may ease pain in the joints and muscle soreness. Older children and teens can participate in activities like yoga and acupuncture.

Depression can also affect a child with CFS. Combat the possibility of depression with stress management techniques. Keep a daily diary of your child’s moods and periods of tiredness. Work with a therapist to use the information to develop ways to deal with the limitations posed by the disease in a constructive way.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is even more of a struggle for a child dealing with the disease. As a parent, work with doctors and counselors to find ways to help your child manage their symptoms.

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4. Treatments for Chronic Sinus Infections
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