The fatigue related to chronic food allergy usually starts as intermittent episodes in association with some other allergic manifestation, especially gastrointestinal symptoms, headaches or nasal allergy. It is usually more pronounced in the early morning, often decreases as the day progresses, and occurs despite a full night of sound sleep. Unlike exercise-related fatigue, there is a permanent, pre-exertion fatigue or weakness which often requires a distinct effort or ‘push’ to get you started.
There are often cognitive difficulties, with memory impairment, mental sluggishness, and an inability to concentrate or maintain attention. Various degrees of depression may exist as well as muscle aching and soreness or drawing sensations in groups of muscles. Sometimes there is edema, especially puffiness of the eyelids and fullness and discoloration of the infraorbital (below-eye) areas.
Although sensitivity to wheat, corn, milk and eggs is most common, any food eaten regularly may be an offender.
Good Laboratories for this kind of testing currently are:
Immuno Laboratories
Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratories
Signs, symptoms & indicators of Allergic Tension Fatigue Syndrome
Allergies as a child
Constant fatigue
Dark areas under eyes
Symptoms of Allergic Tension Fatigue Syndrome can include edema, especially puffiness of the eyelids and fullness and discoloration of the infraorbital (below-eye) areas.
Allergic rhinitis
Short-term memory failure
A 'foggy' mind
Trouble concentrating
Tight/rigid muscles
Tender muscles
Conditions that suggest Allergic Tension Fatigue Syndrome
Depression
Various degrees of depression may exist in cases of Allergic Tension Fatigue Syndrome.
Risk factors for Allergic Tension Fatigue Syndrome
Allergies as a child
Muscle pains in family members
Absence of short-term memory loss
History of tender muscles
Recommendations for Allergic Tension Fatigue Syndrome
Key
| Weak or unproven link |
| Strong or generally accepted link |
| Weakly counter-indicative |
| Highly recommended |
Glossary
Chronic
Usually Chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Allergy
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Gastrointestinal
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Edema
Abnormal accumulation of fluids within tissues resulting in swelling.