Fatigue: Causes and Solutions

 

Fatigue

 

Fatigue is defined as a state of continual fatigue, burnout, or a lack of energy. It could be physical, mental, or a mix of the two. Fatigue can affect everyone; most individuals will feel it at some point in their lives.

Every year, many Australians visit their doctor for weariness.Fatigue is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

Many people experience exhaustion as a result of a combination of lifestyle, social, psychological, and overall well-being difficulties, rather than an underlying medical illness.

Although fatigue is commonly referred to as tiredness, it is more serious than being tired at the end of a long day or after strenuous physical activity. Everyone gets tired at times, but it usually passes with a nap or a few nights of excellent sleep.

If you get adequate sleep, eat healthily, and exercise regularly but still struggle with motivation, focus, and going about your daily tasks, you may be suffering from exhaustion, which requires additional research.

Fatigue can be more serious at times, indicating an underlying medical condition or putting people at danger of a workplace or automobile accident.

If exhaustion is interfering with your daily activities or giving you concern, you should consult your health practitioner.

 

Symptoms of fatigue

Fatigue symptoms can include:

  • Chronic fatigue, sleepiness, or a lack of energy.

  • headache

  • dizziness

  • uncomfortable or hurting muscles.

  • Muscular weakness

  • Slower reflexes and responses

  • Symptoms may include impaired decision-making, moodiness, and irritability.

  • Impaired hand-eye coordination

  • Appetite loss

  • Reduced immune system function.

  • blurred vision

  • Short-term memory issues

  • Poor concentration and hallucinations.

  • Low motivation.

 

Causes of fatigue

Fatigue can result from a variety of factors, including:

  • Medical causes– Unrelenting exhaustion could indicate an underlying sickness or condition (such the flu, glandular fever, chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroid issues, heart disease, or diabetes).

  • Lifestyle-related causes –Alcohol or narcotics, as well as a lack of regular exercise, can cause weariness.

  • Workplace-related causes –Workplace stress might cause sensations of weariness..

  • Psychological causes: Fatigue is a common sign of mental health problems (such as depression and bereavement), and it can be accompanied by other symptoms.

A variety of things can contribute to fatigue.

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Medical causes of fatigue

Fatigue can be caused by a variety of medical issues, making it difficult to determine the actual cause.

Consult your doctor if you have persistent weariness. They will examine both medical and non-medical aspects of your life to find the cause and may inquire about how fatigue is affecting your life.

 

Difference between chronic fatigue & chronic fatigue syndrome

Ongoing unexplained fatigue (or chronic fatigue) differs from myalgic encephalomyelitis (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS) in the following ways.

Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is characterized by symptoms worsening after physical activity. Symptoms may appear 24 hours or more after exertion.

If you've had unexplained fatigue for more than 6 months and feel worse after exercise, you may have ME/CFS. Consult your doctor for advice.

 

Psychological causes of fatigue

Psychological problems are a common source of weariness. This may include:

  • Depression - Prolonged feelings of melancholy, despair, and hopelessness may indicate that you are depressed.

  • Anxiety - feelings of concern, stress, fear, or tension in response to a situation (for example, speaking in public). However, if these feelings occur frequently or without a clear cause, you may be suffering anxiety.

  • Grief - the loss of a loved one triggers a variety of feelings such as shock, guilt, sorrow, despair, and loneliness.

 

Diagnosing fatigue

Your doctor may:

  • Take your medical history, which includes childbirth, medication, surgery, and weight loss or gain.

  • Perform a physical examination to detect indicators of illness or disease. They may also ask thorough questions about nutrition, lifestyle, and major life events (such as work or loved one loss).

  • Order testing to determine whether your weariness is caused by an undetected medical condition (such as anemia or thyroid malfunction).

 

Treating fatigue

Your healthcare professional will collaborate with you to make changes to alleviate your fatigue. Lifestyle adjustments or medicinal therapies may include proper exercise and modifying drinking, drug, or smoking behaviors.

  • Dietary alterations

  • Psychological support (such as consulting a psychologist or psychiatrist)

  • Medications (if needed).

Fortunately, most people will recover from exhaustion over time, either on their own or with some basic and practical lifestyle changes.