Fatigue
Fatigue, or tiredness, is characterized by mental or physical exhaustion and reduced energy. While a common problem, it can have detrimental effects on social and family relationships and work performance. Because its causes can be physical, physiological, and psychological, it’s not a simple condition to diagnose. Often, factors like depression, anxiety, and stress contribute to it. Excessive exercise and inadequate sleep can also be triggers for the problem.
Specific health conditions can also result in fatigue, such as rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, sleep apnea, antidepressants and sedatives, insomnia, anemia, iron deficiency, cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, thyroid disease, Addison’s disease, lupus, fibromyalgia, infections, AIDS, tuberculosis, and malnutrition. There isn’t one treatment method for addressing fatigue, as it generally depends on its causes.
If no condition is linked to fatigue, dietary and lifestyle improvements like getting enough sleep, regularly exercising, eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and nicotine use, and following stress management practices are enough. However, if it’s a sign of another medical disorder, the underlying disease needs to be treated to alleviate feelings of fatigue. Doctors may order blood count, C-reactive protein, liver function, and creatine kinase tests to determine the cause.
