Chronic Fatigue Syndrome VS. Fibromyalgia
Some of the immune disorders associated with CFS are:
• elevated levels of antibodies to various viruses.
• altered helper/suppressor T-cell ratio.
• decreased NK cells or activity.
• decreased levels of circulating immune complexes.
• low or elevated antibody levels.
• increased cytokine levels.
• increased or decreased interferon levels.
• fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivities.5
Chronic Viral Infections and CFS
Individuals who we suspect have chronic fatigue syndrome will have an Epstein Barr Virus EBV and or Cytomegalovirus CMV blood panels drawn. This is to see if there is a virus lingering in the body that is weakening the immune system. These blood tests measure the antibodies immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). A test for IgM antibodies measures the acute (recent infection) phase of the virus. A test for IgG antibodies measures the dormant (inactive) phase of the virus. Our tests also measure Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) antibodies.
► You don’t have to have a blood test to diagnose CFS. If you’re patient has chronic fatigue (hard to get out of bed each day), achy diffuse pain, and a lowered immune function (chronic infections,) then they either have CFS or they are at high risk of developing the illness.
Due to weakened immunity, individuals with chronic fatigue have terrible problems with energy as well as reoccurring bouts with the flu, colds, sinusitis, and other immune problems.
As with so many complex chronic illnesses, CFS may be aggravated by a wide variety of environmental and physiological challenges. Food allergies, environmental sensitivities, heavy metal toxicity, yeast overgrowth, intestinal dysbiosis, parasites, and vitamin/mineral deficiencies can all contribute to CFS.
The syndrome’s principal causes are a weakened immune system and a reactivated virus.
All of us have been exposed to mono or the Epstein-Barr virus at one time or another (usually as teenagers), but our bodies are usually strong enough to overcome it. Individuals with CFS have been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus or mono from some other source, and it has now returned. Its return has either caused the immune system to be compromised or has taken advantage of already compromised immune system.
How to quickly distinguish between FMS and CFS patients.
► A quick way to distinguish between the two syndrome.
A positive EBV panel showing elevated antibodies, especially IgM is clear indicator that someone has CFS.
The CFS patient usually has chronic infections (sinusitis, upper respiratory, UTI’s, colds, flu, etc.) and is sick several times a year. They get at least 2 or more (bad) infections a year. They will usually have chronic or intermittent sore throats, swollen lymph nodes, and periodic fevers. They usually ache all over.
FMS patients may ache all over as well but usually have specific areas (neck, low back, etc.) that are the most troublesome.
CFS patients may not have a low serotonin state (“S” on Brain Function Questionnaire, see my book) and will have no problems falling and staying asleep each night.
Note-some of these individuals have a low body temperature (suggestive of low thyroid). They may have a fever when their temperature is at or below 98.6.
Many of these individuals will have a sluggish liver (higher incidence than those with FMS). Clues that would lead you to suspect someone has a sluggish liver include, funny or negative reactions to medications (take something to put them to sleep and it wakes them up or a little goes a long ways), intolerance to caffeine, alcohol, or odors (longer they’ve had illness more sensitive they become to odors, perfumes, gasoline, smoke, cleaners, etc.), and a history of elevated liver enzymes on past blood work. Of course anyone with hepatitis or fatty liver has a sluggish liver. Long term prescription medication therapies can also create a sluggish liver.
True chronic fatigue syndrome patients are a real challenge. Their biochemistry is usually totally shot by the time they get to the right doctor. They can feel better but it requires hard work and requires a lot of patience by the doctor and the patient.
Fibromyalgia patients aren't easy either but FMS patients respond rather quickly to restoring serotonin levels. Once FMS patients start going into deep restorative sleep, they usually feel better in a matter of days.