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 care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what to do.
- Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep at night. Taking a short nap or resting during the day may help. But this can also make it hard to get a good nights sleep. If you take several naps during the day, you may want to cut back to see if you sleep better at night.
- Try doing some light exercise each day. This may help your energy levels. You may want to avoid heavy activities that need a lot of energy. Try to find the right balance for you.
- Ask your doctor or dietitian for foods that will help you get back your strength and energy. Avoid high sugar foods.
- Try relaxation and breathing exercises. Things like yoga, imagery, and music therapy can also help ease stress.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You may have some tests to help the doctor find causes for your fatigue.
- If your fatigue is due to mental stress, your doctor may want you to see a psychologist or counselor to help you with your worries and anxiety.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Give extra vitamins and minerals
- Treat the problem that causes the fatigue
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activities may be limited until you are feeling better. Return to your normal activities slowly over time. ‚
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
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Seek help right away if you have any sudden changes with your body such as weakness, numbness, pain, or breathing problems.
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you ways to help my fatigue.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have weakness, numbness, pain, or trouble breathing.
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. ‚