Definition
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.
Causes
There are many possible physical and psychological causes of fatigue. Some of the more common are:
Fatigue can also accompany the following illnesses:
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Definition
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.
Causes
There are many possible physical and psychological causes of fatigue. Some of the more common are:
Fatigue can also accompany the following illnesses:
Keep reading...
Considerations
Fatigue is different from drowsiness . In general, drowsiness is feeling the need to sleep, while fatigue is a lack of energy and motivation. Drowsiness and apathy (a feeling of indifference or not caring about what happens) can be symptoms of fatigue.
Fatigue can be a normal and important response to physical exertion, emotional stress, boredom, or lack of sleep. However, it can also be a nonspecific sign of a more serious psychological or physical disorder. When fatigue is not relieved by enough sleep, good nutrition, or a low-stress environment, it should be evaluated by your doctor. Because fatigue is a common complaint, sometimes a potentially serious cause may be overlooked.
The pattern of fatigue may help your doctor determine its underlying cause. For example, if you wake up in the morning rested but rapidly develop fatigue with activity, you may have an ongoing physical condition like an underactive thyroid. On the other hand, if you wake up with a low level of ...
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Other Names
Tiredness; Weariness; Exhaustion; Lethargy
Home Care
Here are some tips for reducing fatigue:
- Get adequate, regular, and consistent amounts of sleep each night.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Exercise regularly.
- Learn better ways to relax. Try yoga or meditation.
- Maintain a reasonable work and personal schedule.
- Change your stressful circumstances, if possible. For example, switch jobs, take a vacation, and deal directly with problems in a relationship.
- Take a multivitamin. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
- Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and drug use.
If you have chronic pain or depression, treating ...
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References
Ressel GW. National Institutes of Health. NIH releases statement on managing pain, depression, and fatigue in cancer. Am Fam Physician . 2003; 67(2): 423-424.
Penninx BW. Anemia and decline in physical performance among older persons. Am J Med . 2003; 115(2): 104-110.
Williams RH, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology . Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier; 2003.
Gonzalez R. Common Syndromes. In McPhee SJ, Papadakis MA, and Tierney, Jr. LM, eds. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2007. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2007.
Bennett B, Goldstein D, Friedlanger M, Hickie I, Lloyd A. The experience of cancer-related fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome: a qualitative and comparative study. J Pain Symptom Manage . 2007; May e-pub.
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