FATIGUE
Fatigue is a term used to describe a feeling of tiredness or lack of energy.
- Fatigue is a normal response to stress or physical exertion, but can also be a symptom of an underlying condition that requires medical attention.
- Fatigue may reduce the quality of life as affected individuals may be unable to function at work, be productive at home or be too exhausted even to manage daily affairs
- Fatigue could be physical or mental.
- Physical fatigue is characterized by a transient inability of muscles to maintain physical performance and can worsen by intense physical exercise or exertion. A person may find it physically hard to engage in a normal activity, for example, climbing stairs.
- Mental fatigue is characterized by a transient reduction in cognitive performance resulting from prolonged periods of cognitive activity. Mental fatigue has been shown to reduce physical appearance. The person may feel sleepy or have difficulty staying awake while working.
- Although different, physical and mental fatigue often occurs together.
CAUSES
A few possible causes of fatigue include:
- Lack of sleep
- Jet lag disorder
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Lack of physical activity
- Use of alcohol or drugs
- Excess physical activity
- Medications such as cough medicines, antihistamines
- Boredom
Prolonged or unrelenting exhaustion may be caused by:
- Cancer
- Acute liver failure
- Stress
- Sleep apnea
- Grief
- Obesity
- Multiple sclerosis
- Anemia
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Heart disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetes
- Chronic infection or inflammation
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Concussion
- Chronic kidney disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy
- Traumatic brain injury
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Emphysema
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Pneumonia
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Poisoning
- Massive blood loss
- Weakened immune system
- Systemic lupus
- Chronic pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hepatitis
SYMPTOMS
- Exhaustion with physical or mental activity
- Daytime drowsiness
- Headache
- Irritability
- Aching or sore muscles
- Vision problems such as blurriness
- Moodiness
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Apathy and lack of motivation
You should seek immediate medical attention if your fatigue is accompanied by:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Severe, abdominal, back or pelvic pain
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will review your medical history and consider any other symptoms that are present. This may help to rule out any underlying condition.
The doctor may ask questions relating to:
- The pattern of fatigue, such as being tired at certain times during the day, whether fatigue reduces after taking a nap, or increases throughout the day.
- The quality of fatigue
- The quality of sleep including your emotional state, sleep pattern (the amount of sleep, the number of times that a person awakens during the night), stress level
To rule out a sleep disorder, a sleep study may be conducted.
Screening for depression and other psychological conditions, along with drug abuse, poor diet, and lack of physical exercise.
Blood tests to check for infections or anemia
Urinalysis to look for sign of liver disease or diabetes
Tests to check for liver or kidney function
TREATMENT
If fatigue is related to any underlying medical condition, treating it may help alleviate fatigue
Yoga and mindfulness may both improve symptoms of fatigue
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Other tips that may help improve symptoms are:
- Practicing good sleeping habits
- Eating a moderate and well-balanced diet
- Engaging in regular physical activity