Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or CFS, strikes more people in the United States than multiple sclerosis, lupus, and lung cancer.

Physician Roderick Nassif explains that more than one million Americans suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, a debilitating illness that leaves people feeling so exhausted that it takes control of their lives. "Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease that affects a large portion of the patients that we see."

Dr. Nassif says that the symptoms of CFS can be similar to the flu, which has made it difficult to diagnose in the past, it also wasn't really considered a disease. But today the Center For Disease Control recognizes CFS as a real condition that physicians are taking much more seriously. "It's fatigue that is unrelated to any other co morbid disease that is greater than six months duration."

Dr. Nassif also says that the cause of CFS is still unknown, however researchers are currently studying what triggers it. "The incidence has been shown that between the ages of 40-55 its more prevelant and especially in women."

Since there's no known cure for CFS, treatment is focused on easing symptoms and improving the patient's daily function. Physicians like Dr. Nassif recommend making adjustments to diet and medication to keep patients energized. "Other anti-epileptic medications have been shown to be helpful and also other stimulants have been helpful to help with the fatigue."

While it's normal to feel worn out from time to time, prolonged amounts of fatigue could be a sign of something more severe.

Your primary care physician can work with you to determine if you might have CFS.