Systemic exertion intolerance disease

Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (SEID), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), is a complex, chronic disease characterized by extreme fatigue and a variety of other symptoms that are not improved by rest. The condition significantly impacts the quality of life of those affected.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of SEID is a profound, unexplained fatigue that is not alleviated by rest and is exacerbated by physical or mental activity. This is often referred to as "post-exertional malaise". Other symptoms include:

• Cognitive impairment, often described as "brain fog"
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Muscle and joint pain
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Tender lymph nodes
• Orthostatic intolerance

Diagnosis

Diagnosing SEID can be challenging due to the lack of specific laboratory tests and the overlap of symptoms with other conditions. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical evaluation and the exclusion of other possible causes of fatigue. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has proposed diagnostic criteria that focus on the core symptoms of the disease.

Causes

The exact cause of SEID is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. Possible triggers include viral infections, immune system dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and psychological stress.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for SEID, and treatment focuses on symptom management. Approaches include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Graded exercise therapy (GET)
• Medications to manage pain, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms
• Lifestyle modifications, such as pacing and energy management

Research

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms of SEID, identifying biomarkers for diagnosis, and developing effective treatments. Recent studies have explored the role of the immune system, the microbiome, and metabolic dysfunction in the disease.

See Also

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
• Post-viral fatigue syndrome
• Institute of Medicine. (2015). "Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Redefining an Illness."
• National Institutes of Health. "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome."

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Systemic exertion intolerance disease

Systemic exertion intolerance disease is a rare disease.