Fatigue and Tiredness
When you find yourself too worn out to perform basic tasks, it may mean that tiredness has stopped you in your tracks. Fatigue is another term for tiredness, used sometimes to describe intense tiredness of such duration and intensity that it interferes with normal life. There are many reasons why someone experience tiredness or fatigue. In some cases, fatigue may be caused by an underlying medical condition. Generally speaking, however, fatigue is often a result of a patient's habits and routines. By working to incrementally change lifestyle choices, many find relief from tiredness and fatigue.
Lifestyle and Psychological Issues
Sleep deprivation is obviously one of the main causes of fatigue; however, temporary fatigue may be caused by a wide variety of lifestyle issues such as overwork, stress, anxiety, caffeine use, inactivity, obesity, and even mineral or vitamin deficiencies. Boredom can sometimes lead to fatigue-like symptoms as well. In addition, temporary fatigue may appear as a result of the immune system fighting an infection. Besides lifestyle problems, other mental or psychological problems can be the cause of fatigue. Commonly, these mental conditions include grief and depression.
Underlying Medical Conditions
While temporary fatigue can be caused by a wide range of factors, persistent (chronic) fatigue can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Chronic fatigue is defined as feelings of tiredness and fatigue for at least three to six months. Some causes of chronic fatigue might include acute liver failure, anemia, some cancers, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), major depression, emphysema, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, kidney failure, pregnancy, RLS (restless leg syndrome) and diabetes. Fatigue can also be caused by some medications, such as antihistamines, cough and cold medications, pain medications, antidepressants and some heart medications.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If fatigue persists for more than two weeks despite your best efforts towards basic lifestyle changes such as more sleep, healthier diet and stress reduction, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you schedule an appointment with your doctor.
In some cases, fatigue can be a sign of a major health problem that requires immediate attention, especially when it occurs with other symptoms. Seek emergency care if you experience fatigue in conjunction with chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular or quickened heartbeat, or the feeling that you are going to lose consciousness. Urgent care is also required if fatigue is accompanied by abnormal bleeding (including in stool or vomit), weight loss or gain, intense headache, or severe pain in the abdominal, back or pelvic areas. Also, seek immediate medical care if fatigue is related to underlying mental health problems such as thoughts of harming yourself and/or others.
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