Overview Of Iceland Disease
Iceland disease and Akureyri disease were synonymous terms used for an outbreak of fatigue symptoms in Iceland. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious, long-term illness that affects many-body systems. People with ME/CFS are often not able to do their usual activities. At times, ME/CFS may confine them to bed. People with ME/CFS have severe fatigue and sleep problems. ME/CFS may get worse after people with the illness try to do as much as they want or need to do. This symptom is known as post-exertional malaise (PEM). Other symptoms can include problems with thinking and concentrating, pain, and dizziness.
Commonly Associated with
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Cause Of Iceland Disease
The cause of CFS is unknown. There may be more than one thing that causes it. It is possible that two or more triggers might work together to cause the illness.
Who is at risk for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?
Anyone can get CFS, but it is most common in people between 40 and 60 years old. Adult women have it more often than adult men. Whites are more likely than other races to get a diagnosis of CFS, but many people with CFS have not been diagnosed with it.
Symptoms Of Iceland Disease
The main symptom of CFS/ME is feeling extremely tired and generally unwell.
Also, people with CFS/ME may have other symptoms, including:
•sleep problems
•muscle or joint pain
•headaches
•a sore throat or sore glands that are not swollen
•problems thinking, remembering, or concentrating
•flu-like symptoms
•feeling dizzy or sick
•fast or irregular heartbeats (heart palpitations)
Most people find overexercising makes their symptoms worse.
The severity of symptoms can vary from day to day, or even within a day.
The symptoms of CFS/ME are similar to the symptoms of some other illnesses, so it’s important to see a GP to get a correct diagnosis.
Treatment Of Iceland Disease
Treatment for CFS/ME aims to relieve the symptoms. The treatment will depend on how CFS/ME is affecting you.
Treatments include:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help you manage problems by changing the way you think and behave.
A structured exercise program called graded exercise therapy (GET) – Graded exercise therapy (GET) is a structured exercise program that aims to gradually increase how long you can carry out a physical activity.
It usually involves exercise that raises the heart rate, such as swimming or walking. The exercise program will be adapted to the physical capabilities.
Medicine to control pain, nausea, and sleeping problems
Most people with CFS get better over time, although some people do not make a full recovery.
It’s also likely there will be periods when the symptoms get better or worse.
Children and young people with CFS/ME are more likely to recover fully.
Other
How is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) diagnosed?
CFS can be difficult to diagnose. There is no specific test for CFS, and other illnesses can cause similar symptoms. Your health care provider has to rule out other diseases before making a diagnosis of CFS. He or she will do a thorough medical exam, including
Asking about your medical history and your family’s medical history
Asking about your current illness, including your symptoms. Your doctor will want to know how often you have symptoms, how bad they are, how long they have lasted, and how they affect your life.
A thorough physical and mental status exam
Blood, urine, or other tests
