Fatigue: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:30, 16 February 2025

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by individuals across various conditions and is characterized by a persistent feeling of tiredness or exhaustion. It can be both a physical and mental state, affecting a person's ability to perform daily activities effectively.

Causes of Fatigue

Fatigue can result from numerous factors, including:

Sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea.
Chronic illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis.
Mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive stress.
Medications that have fatigue as a side effect.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of fatigue is a persistent feeling of tiredness that does not improve with rest. Other symptoms may include:

Difficulty concentrating or cognitive impairment.
Muscle weakness or soreness.
Headaches.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Irritability or mood changes.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing fatigue involves a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause. This may include:

A detailed medical history and physical examination.
Blood tests to check for anemia, thyroid function, and other potential causes.
Sleep studies to identify sleep disorders.
Psychological assessments to evaluate mental health conditions.

Management

Managing fatigue typically involves addressing the underlying cause. General strategies include:

Improving sleep hygiene and ensuring adequate rest.
Engaging in regular physical activity tailored to the individual's capabilities.
Managing stress through relaxation techniques and counseling.
Adjusting medications if they contribute to fatigue.
Nutritional support and dietary changes.

Related Pages

Template:Medical symptoms

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-Fatigue, pronounced as (fuh-TEEG), is a common symptom characterized by a pervasive sense of weariness, decreased energy, and a diminished capacity to perform mental or physical tasks. This sensation can manifest in both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) forms and can impact an individual's daily activities and overall quality of life.
+== Fatigue ==
-=== Definition and Overview ===
+[[File:Timeframe_of_PEM_from_daily_activities.jpg|thumb|right|Diagram illustrating the timeframe of post-exertional malaise from daily activities.]]
-Fatigue is more than just feeling drowsy or sleepy. It's an overwhelming and sustained sense of exhaustion that doesn't get relieved by rest. This diminished energy can limit a person's ability to engage in routine tasks, work, or recreational activities.
+'''Fatigue''' is a common symptom experienced by individuals across various conditions and is characterized by a persistent feeling of tiredness or exhaustion. It can be both a physical and mental state, affecting a person's ability to perform daily activities effectively.
-=== Causes of Fatigue ===
+== Causes of Fatigue ==
-The feeling of fatigue can result from numerous causes, ranging from lifestyle factors to severe medical conditions.
+Fatigue can result from numerous factors, including:
-==== Lifestyle Causes ====
+* [[Sleep disorders]] such as [[insomnia]] or [[sleep apnea]].
+* [[Chronic illnesses]] like [[chronic fatigue syndrome]] (CFS), [[fibromyalgia]], and [[multiple sclerosis]].
+* [[Mental health]] issues, including [[depression]] and [[anxiety]].
+* [[Lifestyle factors]] such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive stress.
+* [[Medications]] that have fatigue as a side effect.
-* Lack of sleep
+== Symptoms ==
-* Excessive physical activity or lack thereof
-* Unhealthy eating habits
-* Medications and treatments
-* Consumption of alcohol or drugs
-* Excessive stress
-==== Medical Causes ====
+The primary symptom of fatigue is a persistent feeling of tiredness that does not improve with rest. Other symptoms may include:
-* [[Anemia]]
+* Difficulty concentrating or [[cognitive impairment]].
-* [[Hypothyroidism]]
+* [[Muscle weakness]] or soreness.
-* [[Diabetes]]
+* [[Headaches]].
-* Chronic pain conditions
+* [[Dizziness]] or lightheadedness.
-* [[Sleep disorders]] like [[sleep apnea]]
+* Irritability or mood changes.
-* [[Heart disease]]
-* [[Cancer]]
-* Chronic infections
-=== Acute vs. Chronic Fatigue ===
+== Diagnosis ==
-While both forms of fatigue result in a decreased ability to function, their durations and sometimes causes can be different.
+Diagnosing fatigue involves a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause. This may include:
-==== Acute Fatigue ====
+* A detailed medical history and physical examination.
+* [[Blood tests]] to check for [[anemia]], [[thyroid function]], and other potential causes.
+* [[Sleep studies]] to identify sleep disorders.
+* [[Psychological assessments]] to evaluate mental health conditions.
-* Typically lasts a short period (days to weeks).
+== Management ==
-* Often a result of lifestyle factors like lack of sleep, jet lag, or a significant increase in physical activity.
-* Usually alleviated by addressing the root cause, such as getting more sleep or managing stress.
-==== Chronic Fatigue ====
+Managing fatigue typically involves addressing the underlying cause. General strategies include:
-* Persistent and lasts for several months or longer.
+* Improving [[sleep hygiene]] and ensuring adequate rest.
-* May arise without an apparent cause or can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
+* Engaging in regular [[physical activity]] tailored to the individual's capabilities.
-* Can be associated with [[Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)]], a complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that can't be improved by bed rest.
+* Managing stress through [[relaxation techniques]] and [[counseling]].
+* Adjusting medications if they contribute to fatigue.
+* Nutritional support and [[dietary changes]].
-=== Diagnosis ===
+== Related Pages ==
-Diagnosing fatigue involves a comprehensive approach. Healthcare providers will:
+* [[Chronic fatigue syndrome]]
+* [[Sleep disorders]]
-* Take a detailed medical history.
+* [[Depression]]
-* Ask about sleep patterns, daily activities, diet, and medications.
+* [[Fibromyalgia]]
-* Conduct physical examinations.
-* Recommend blood tests or other diagnostic tests, depending on suspected underlying conditions.
-=== Treatment and Management ===
-Treatment for fatigue depends on its cause. Approaches may include:
+{{Medical symptoms}}
-* Lifestyle changes such as improved diet, exercise routines, and sleep habits.
-* Psychological counseling or therapies for stress or mental health-related fatigue.
-* Medications to treat underlying medical conditions.
-* Physical therapies or alternative treatments.
-== See Also ==
-* [[Sleep disorders]]
-* [[Mental health]]
-* [[Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]] (CFS)
-* [[Stress management]]
-{{General symptoms and signs}}
-{{Common Cold}}
-{{Mental processes}}
-[[Category:Exercise physiology]]
 [[Category:Symptoms]]
-[[Category:Subjective experience]]
-[[Category:Medical Symptoms]]
-[[Category:Neurology]]
-[[Category:Well-being]]
-{{stub}}