Is a hidden virus dragging you down?

The most common cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be a past infection with Epstein Barr Virus.

While there are also other viruses and indeed other factors that can lead to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the most common cause would seem to be the Epstein Barr virus that causes Glandular Fever. After the first bout with this virus which can be mild or severe and last for one to 6 weeks this virus which is part of the herpes family will retreat to your spine and stay there.

In some people, every now and then it will resurface and try to spread it's joy around the world only to be pushed back by their immune system. Over time the immune system becomes weary and the person becomes increasingly weary.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is one of the most common conditions I see in my practice and fortunately if we can identify an underlying viral infection as the cause it is not difficult to treat and recovery will begin in a few weeks.

So how can you tell if this is a cause of your fatigue?

Firstly we look for signs and symptoms. Typically there will be a sore throat, this may be every day on waking but pass as the day wears on, or it may surface every 6 to 12 weeks. The glands in the neck will swell; again this may seem to be daily or may come and go every 6 to 12 weeks. There may be fatigue that puts you in bed for a few days andI have seen some patients when this can last a week or more. Some people will merely note that they feel like they are coming down with something but then it quickly clears up and they move on.

The thing that differentiates this from picking up cold several times a year is that the symptoms and duration will always be the same. Cold and flu viruses have their own signature; they appear with certain symptoms that will be the same in all the people they infect but they will be different from other viruses.

Another way to confirm you have an underlying virus is with blood tests. You can be tested for antibodies to the Epstein Barr virus and several other suspect viruses like Ross River and Cytomegalovirus. Because these viruses lurk in your body there will always be some antibodies to confirm a past infection.

If there is an underlying virus a full blood count will give a few clues with the white blood cells showing as generally low. The Lymphocytes are the cells that fight viral infections and will be elevated in an acute infection however in a chronic condition they will be low, usually below the normal resting level of 2. The percentage of lymphocytes however will usually be high, above 40% which tells us the immune system is struggling to keep up the fight and make enough white blood cells and is putting all its efforts towards making lymphocytes.

Another indication is when the Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio is below 2.

If this is starting to sound like your life story no doubt you would like to know what to do about it. You probably already know that your doctor hasn't been able to help much other than treat the symptoms as they arise. This may be antibiotics for what looks like recurrent tonsillitis, headache pills, anti-anxiety or anti-depression pills, amphetamines to pick you up and pills to put you to sleep. None of these help you with the cause of the problem.

How is it treated with Naturopathic Medicine?

In my practice I use herbal and nutritional medicine to address the underlying virus and other factors causing the syndrome. I may start with an antiviral treatment or support the patient in other ways first if I think they are too depleted to successfully work with the virus.

The herbs I use are antiviral, immune boosting and supportive of the adrenal glands; this treatment is usually continued for six weeks. I will also support the patient with an anti-inflammatory diet and other nutritional or herbal medicine as needed.

What can you expect in terms of recovery?

You should notice subtle changes in the first week, energy usually starts to pick up in week two to three. By week six you know you are feeling better.

Following on there will be an additional treatment for a few months to consolidate the therapy so that you don't experience a relapse.

For more information contact Linda Lowen on 8395 2836