7 Healthcast: Fighting Fatigue

For Nancy Smith of Randolph, this is a good day. She's made downstairs and onto the couch.

Nancy Smith, Chronic Fatigue Sufferer
"Some days I don't get out of bed."

For over thirty years, Nancy's suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition that has robbed her of a normal life."

Nancy Smith, Chronic Fatigue Sufferer
"In the beginning I was just told I was crazy. That it was my fault."

Chronic fatigue is a mysterious illness that has puzzled doctors for years. It's key symptom -- overwhelming exhaustion and lack of energy that doesn't improve with bed rest. It's not clear on what causes it and there are very few treatment options.

Dr. Alexander Chester, Georgetown University Medical Center
"Unexplained chronic fatigue is something that has been with us for a long period of time, but nobody really has an answer."

But now a recent study has discovered one possible cause. Dr. Alexander Chester of Georgetown University looked at the relationship between chronic fatigue and sinusitis.

He found that patients complaining of fatigue were nine times more likely to also suffer from sinusitis.

Dr. Alexander Chester, Georgetown University Medical Center
"So sinus and fatigue are closely linked."

The connection makes sense to Nancy. She's had sinus problems throughout her illness.

Nancy Smith, Chronic Fatigue Sufferer
"You get the post nasal drip, which aggravates the upper respiratory."

Dr. Eric Holbrook of the Mass Eye and Ear Institute, says many people may suffer from sinus induced fatigue and not even know it.

Dr. Eric Holbrook, Massachusetts Eye and Ear
"A lot of people will complain of the fatigue or tiredness as well as headaches and if you don't ask them about other symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, nasal obstruction, you may miss problems with sinusitis."

Sinusitis can be treated by decongestants, nasal sprays and if it's severe, sinus surgery.

Dr. Alexander Chester, Georgetown University Medical Center
"If their sinusitis improves, their fatigue should get better as well."

Doctors say it's important to note that not every patient suffering from fatigue has sinusitis. But for some it may be the simple answer to fighting their fatigue.

For more information on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:

Massachusetts CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Association
PO Box 690305
Quincy, MA 02269
Information Hotline: 617-471-5559
www.masscfids.org