Lymphadenopathy- angioimmunoblastic with dysproteinemia
Overview
A progressive immune system disorder that usually affects people over the age of 50 and is characterized by chills, sweating, weight loss, skin rashes.
Symptoms
* Abnormal blood plasma proteins * Chills * Sweating * Weight loss * Skin rash * General discomfort * Lymphadenopathy * Enlarged liver * Enlarged spleen * Hemolytic anemia * Abnormal blood plasma proteins * Chills * Sweating * Weight loss * Skin rash * General discomfort * Lymphadenopathy * Enlarged liver * Enlarged spleen * Hemolytic anemia
Causes
Although the cause of CFIDS is unknown, researchers suspect that it may be found in human herpesvirus 6 or in other herpesviruses, enteroviruses, or retroviruses. Rising levels of antibodies to EBV, once thought to implicate EBV infection as the cause of CFIDS, are now considered a result of this disease.
Treatment
reatment is aimed at the cause, if one can be found. Supportive therapy includes an anti-inflammatory, an antihistamine, and rest. Treatment of symptoms may include a tricyclic antidepressant (doxepin), a histamine2-blocker (cimetidine), and an anxiolytic (alprazolam). In some patients, avoidance of environmental irritants and certain foods may help to relieve symptoms.