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Is chronic fatigue syndrome synonymous with effort syndrome?
S D Rosen1, J C King, J B Wilkinson
1Department of Cardiology, Charing Cross Hospital, London.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or postviral syndrome (PVS), may often be misdiagnosed. This study suggests that chronic habitual hyperventilation is the cause in most cases, a condition treatable with conventional rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Respiratory medicine
- Psychophysiology
Background:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), and postviral syndrome (PVS) describe debilitating conditions characterized by an inability to sustain effort.
- Existing reviews of CFS/ME/PVS have not adequately addressed the role of chronic habitual hyperventilation in the effort syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of chronic habitual hyperventilation in patients diagnosed with CFS, ME, or PVS.
- To determine if chronic habitual hyperventilation is a primary underlying cause of symptoms attributed to CFS/ME/PVS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive patients diagnosed with CFS, ME, or PVS.
- Evaluation of patient illness timelines.
- Conducting respiratory psychophysiological studies.
Main Results:
- In 93 out of 100 patients (93%), the illness course and respiratory findings were characteristic of chronic habitual hyperventilation.
- This suggests a high prevalence of this condition among patients diagnosed with CFS/ME/PVS.
Conclusions:
- The labels CFS, ME, and PVS should be used cautiously.
- Chronic habitual hyperventilation should be definitively excluded before applying these diagnoses, as it is a treatable condition with conventional rehabilitation.
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