Chronic fatigue in children & adolescents

Chronic fatigue in children & adolescents

Recently both Jo Vaughan and Julia Redfern attended a Royal Childrens Hospital Practical Paediatrics Program seminar, which was a very informative session on chronic fatigue in adolescents and in children.

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a disabling illness by loss of energy and stamina with multiple symptoms in all body systems. Unfortunately the symptoms are made worse by physical & mental activity and these are not relieved by rest. Adolescents between 12 & 17 are more likely to develop CFS than younger children although children as young as 4 years old have developed the disease. There is no diagnostic test for CFS. CFS usually starts suddenly with a fever and flu like symptoms, although it has been known that in some younger children the onset could be gradual over some months or years. The pattern of symptoms experienced by a child may changed from time to time and vary during the day which makes it extremely important for an adult to listen and believe in your child when they are describing symptoms.

The main symptoms are:

  • extreme fatigue, both physical & mental not being the result of exertion and not relieved by rest
  • non refreshing sleep, night time insomnia or excessive daytime sleep
  • skeletal pain particularly in the muscles or joints (without redness or swelling)
  • abdominal pain, dramatic increase in headaches
  • difficulty in concentration; poor short term memory

Children can often report muscle weakness, sensitivity to light, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, recurrent sore throats and tender lymph glands, low low grade fever or night sweats, cold extremities and new sensitivities to foods, medicines or chemicals.

Adequate rest is the mainstay of treatment there is no medication which will cure this disease. Children should be encouraged to socialise with friends when possible and take up hobbies, within there capabilities.

The cause of CFS is unknown, although it may be genetic and can follow an acute infection. Less frequently CFS can be triggered by toxins, immunization or major trauma. CFS is NOT a psychological illness.