What is fatigue?
Fatigue is the feeling of dreariness or lingering tiredness. It goes way beyond feeling tired or sleepy. When fatigue affects your daily activities, and you do not feel better even after adequate rest, it is time to seek medical attention.
Symptoms of fatigue
While fatigue is a common symptom of several medical conditions, it indicates a physical or mental disorder. Some of the most common indicators of fatigue are:
- Common aches or pains
- Lack of energy even after enough rest
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frequent headaches
- Irritability or moodiness
- Body stiffness
- Nervousness or anxiety
These symptoms may appear every few hours and affect your routine tasks.
Causes of fatigue
Several medical conditions, medications or lifestyle choices cause fatigue. They are widely segregated into the following categories:
- Lifestyle factors: range from poor sleep or diet, being overweight or underweight, drug abuse, stress, sedentary lifestyle, consuming too much caffeine, or jet lag.
- Sleep Disorders: insomnia, sleep apnea, working late, or working in shifts.
- Medical Conditions: such as diabetes, obesity, anaemia, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, heart condition, kidney or liver disease, mental health conditions, such as depression or grief, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, or hormonal imbalances.
When to see a doctor
You must see a doctor immediately if:
- You cannot pinpoint the source of your tiredness or fatigue
- Your fatigue lasts more than a few days
- You’re finding it difficult to cope with your daily activities
- You’ve suddenly lost or put on weight
- You’re sensitive to colder temperatures
- You regularly find it difficult to sleep
Diagnosis and treatment options
Doctors ask you a series of questions and understand your habits, medical history, and medications you administer to diagnose fatigue. Depending on your answers, doctors may recommend:
- Practising good sleep habits
- Eating healthy meals throughout the day with a balanced diet
- Significant physical activity while maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding known stress factors
- Over-the-counter medicines
Summing Up
It is essential to remember that a range of conditions can lead to fatigue. If you constantly feel dreary or tired without knowing the root cause, it is advisable to seek medical advice. With the right support system and the treatment plan, you can overturn this condition.
