About this topic
Fatigue is a strong feeling of being tired and weak. This often happens after doing activities that are very hard to do. Then, you dont have much energy to do other things. Just as your body can be fatigued, your mind can as well. You might have trouble being able to focus. Some people have little desire to do anything. Fatigue is a normal response to physical and mental strain. Stress can also cause fatigue. Other causes of fatigue can be the flu or other viruses, drugs, or sleep problems. ‚
Fatigue can also be a sign of a more serious problem. Some of these are: ‚
- Low red blood cells
- Anxiety or worrying too much
- Low mood
- Ongoing pain
- Problems with your thyroid, liver, or kidneys
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Illnesses like cancer, arthritis, and heart or lung disease
Most of the time, fatigue is better after a few days of rest. ‚
What are the causes?
- Lifestyle causes like lack of sleep, working too much, unhealthy habits, or getting too little or too much exercise
- Emotional causes like stress, low mood, grief, or being bored
- Medical causes like illnesses or certain drugs
What are the main signs?
- Feeling tired or sleepy
- Having no energy or strength
- Feeling worn out and needing to rest a lot
- Showing less interest in work and activities
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will ask you questions about how you feel. The doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- X-ray
- CT scan
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor will need to find out what is causing the problem to treat it. In many cases, more rest, sleep, a good diet, and less stress may help. Sometimes, the problem is caused by a more serious illness or problem. Your doctor will work to find the cause. Your doctor may send you to an expert to help with low mood or worry. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Give extra vitamins and minerals
- Treat the problem that causes the fatigue
What problems could happen?
- Bodys normal defenses or immune system are lowered
- Not able to function well
- Problems with sex
- Not feeling hungry
- Slower reflexes and responses and less coordination. This may lead to accidents when driving or at work.
- Headaches, irritability, and not able to focus. These may lead to poor decision making.
- Vision problems or seeing things that are not really there
- Low motivation
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Learn to manage your work and stress.
- Do relaxation exercises.
- Try to get enough sleep at night.
- Eat a healthy diet. Avoid high sugar foods.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Fatigue_explained ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/pages/tiredness-and-fatigue.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚