Health encyclopaedia

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Causes of Chronic fatigue syndrome

CFS is a complex condition and there is, as yet, no agreement upon any one specific cause.  However, it appears that a variety of physical and psychological factors can cause, maintain and change the condition and that there are a number of triggers associated with the onset of CFS.

Some of the main predisposing factors are thought to be:

• inherited genetic susceptibility,
• altered immune response due possibly to infections such as glandular fever or hepatitis,
• neurotoxins,
• exhaustion and mental stress,
• viral infection,
• immunisation, and
• traumatic or highly stressful incidents.

CFS is likely to be perpetuated by the following factors:

• persistent viral or chronic bacterial infections
• over or under-activity, too much or not enough rest, physical de-conditioning
• stressful situations
• poor diet
• social isolation, demoralisation, frustration, depression
• environmental pollution, exposure to chemicals
• stressful situations may bring on attacks.

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