• runny nose
• tearing
• itching of the nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin, or any area
• wheezing
• coughing
• difficulty breathing
• hives or skin wheals
• skin rashes
• stomach cramps
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• headache
• red, itchy eyes

The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is unknown. Some researchers suspect it may be caused by a virus, such as human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6). However, no distinct viral cause has been identified.

Recent studies have shown that chronic fatigue syndrome MAY be caused by inflammation of pathways in the nervous system; and that this inflammation MAY be some sort of immune response or autoimmune process. CFS may occur when a viral illness is complicated by an inadequate or dysfunctional immune response.  Other factors such as age, prior illness, stress, environment, or genetic disposition may also play a role. CFS most commonly occurs in women aged 30 to 50.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) describes CFS as a distinct disorder with specific symptoms and physical signs, based on the exclusion of other possible causes. The number of patients with CFS is unknown.

Symptoms of CFS are similar to those of most common viral infections (muscle aches, headache, and fatigue), often developing within a few hours or days and lasting for 6 months or more.
 

• fatigue or tiredness, never experienced to this extent before (new onset), lasting at least 6 months and not relieved by bed rest
• fatigue that is severe enough to restrict activity (serious fatigue develops with less than one-half of the exertion compared to before the illness)
• fatigue lasting more than 24 hours that develops after an amount of exercise that would normally be easily tolerated
• mild fever (low-grade: 101 degrees F or less)
• sore throat
• lymph node tenderness in the neck or armpit (axilla)
• muscle weakness all over or multiple locations, not explained by any known disorder
• muscle aches (myalgias)
• sleep disturbances:  sleeping too much or  difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep (insomnia)
• headaches, different from previous headaches in quality, severity, or pattern
• joint pain, often moving from joint to joint (migratory arthralgias), without joint swelling or redness
• unusual nervous system symptoms, such as:
  • increased sensitivity of eyes to light
  • forgetfulness
  • irritability
  • confusion
  • thinking seems "fuzzy" or "foggy"
  • difficulty concentrating
  • depression

Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Some other problems commonly linked with fibromyalgia include fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own, or secondary to other musculoskeletal conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus.

Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a history of a least three months of widespread pain, and pain and tenderness in at least 11 of 18 tender-point sites. These tender-point sites include fibrous tissue or muscles of the:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Chest
• Rib cage
• Lower back
• Thighs
• Knees
• Arms (elbows)
• Buttocks

The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing, body-wide pain with defined tender points. Tender points are distinct from trigger points seen in other pain syndromes. (Unlike tender points, trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a source of radiating pain, even in the absence of direct pressure.) 

Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain experienced by people with various types of arthritis. With fibromyalgia syndrome alone, the significant joint swelling, destruction, and deformity seen in patients with diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis does not occur.

The soft-tissue pain of fibromyalgia is described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning, and ranges from mild to severe. Fibromyalgia sufferers tend to waken with body aches and stiffness.

For some patients, pain improves during the day and increases again during the evening, though many patients with fibromyalgia have day-long, unrelenting pain. Pain can increase with activity; cold, damp weather; anxiety; and stress.

• Strain and spasm of the neck muscles
• Pain extending down the arm
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the arm or hand

PMS is estimated to affect 70% to 90% of women during their childbearing years. Between 30% to 40% of women are thought to have PMS symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily living activities, and 10% are believed to have symptoms so severe they are considered disabling.

The incidence is higher in women between their late 20s and early 40s, those with at least one child, those with a family history of a major depression disorder, or women with a past medical history of either post-partum depression or an affective mood disorder.

As many as 50-60% of women with severe PMS have an underlying psychiatric disorder. 

A wide range of physical or emotional symptoms have been associated with PMS. By definition, such symptoms must occur during the second half of the menstrual cycle (14 days or more after the first day of the menstrual period) and be absent for about 7 days after a menstrual period ends (during the first half of the menstrual cycle).

The most common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Swelling of ankles, feet, and hands
• Backache
• Abdominal cramps or heaviness
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal fullness
• Muscle spasms
• Breast tenderness
• Weight gain
• Recurrent cold sores
• Acne flare-ups
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Bowel changes (constipation or diarrhea)
• Decreased coordination
• Food cravings
• Decreased tolerance to sensory input (noise, light)
• Painful menstruation