A disease which has been spreading along with modern developments, the chronic fatigue syndrome affects about 41,000 Romanians – or some 0.2% of the population, compared to four million in the US and a quarter million in the UK, according to Romanian doctors. However, numbers could be even higher as many people are undiagnosed, and believe chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms are signs of other diseases. In Europe, 1.2 million people have been diagnosed with this disease. Worldwide, the ratio is of 2.6%.

The syndrome is characterized by persistent fatigue lasting more than six months, difficulties in concentration, memory issues, insomnia, headaches, depression and allergies, especially in the cold season. Many times, symptoms similar to cold and the so-called autumn asthenia are in fact symptoms of the chronic fatigue syndrome. Women are four times more affected than men, according to doctor Ionut Bacanu, quoted by Mediafax.

Most chronic fatigue syndrome cases are diagnosed at the start of autumn and winter, and the disease is favored by a deficient nutrition, stress and low immune system. Many people who spend hours in the office, don’t exercise and eat poorly are at risk of developing the chronic fatigue syndrome.

The syndrome can however be treated: a more balanced lifestyle, a balanced diet with all needed nutrients, vitamins, and relaxing exercise at least two times a week.

editor@romania-insider.com