Exhausted Children: How ME/CFS changes the lives of Amelie and Felix

Exhausted Children: How ME/CFS changes the lives of Amelie and Felix

Amelie and her brother Felix are experiencing a challenging time in their young lives. They have been at home almost exclusively for many months and have lost social contacts outside of their family. The reason for this isolation is the effects of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), which can also affect children. Loud lkz.de The two children have no longer attended school and are struggling with the enormous challenges that ME/CFS brings with it.

In Germany, an estimated 40,000 children and young people under the age of 18 are affected by ME/CFS, which clearly shows the urgency of the situation. Diagnosis in children is often more difficult than in adults; While a diagnosis can usually be made after six months in adults, it is usually three months in children. cfs-portal.de describes that ME/CFS can result from a variety of causes, including infections and genetics.

The symptoms of ME/CFS

The most characteristic symptoms are persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest, and pain in muscles and joints. Other side effects include headaches, sore throats and increased sensitivity to light and noise. In addition, affected children often suffer from concentration and memory problems. These symptoms often lead to severely limited participation in school lessons and require individual strategies to participate in the educational process.

What is particularly striking is that children with ME/CFS often have greater cognitive problems compared to adults and generally show a higher sensitivity to environmental stimuli. The demands of school challenges and the risk of social isolation make it all the more important that affected children receive comprehensive support. Support from family and friends is essential during this time.

The need for support

Therapeutic approaches that may help relieve symptoms include both drug and non-drug treatments. Painkillers, sleeping pills and antidepressants are some of the medication options, while therapies such as psychotherapeutic support and energy management (pacing) are non-medication measures. The long-term prognosis is promising, with 54-94% of affected children and adolescents able to show improvement or complete recovery.

Nonetheless, ME/CFS is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. It is therefore crucial that parents and teachers take this disease seriously and communicate the symptoms accordingly. Early intervention could significantly improve the lives of children like Amelie and Felix and enable them to participate more in social life and classes. This challenge requires comprehensive understanding and commitment from the community to provide better living conditions for children with ME/CFS.