Muscle Aches Extreme Fatigue: Coronavirus Symptoms Go Beyond Fever And Cough
Fever, cough, shortness of breath.
Those are the three symptoms prominently listed on the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions website under coronavirus symptoms.
But as case counts continue to rise in the United States and across the world, its clear that COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, causes a much wider range of symptoms. The more detailed descriptions of the illness that are emerging show how doctors and researchers are still learning about the disease, which was first reported just three months ago, in real time.
COVID-19 can begin in similar ways among patients, regardless of a persons age or health status.
Very often, extreme fatigue hits first.
Hedy Bauman, 74, was so weak she could barely make it home from a short walk to the store. Reading a few pages of the newspaper was exhausting.
My bathroom is maybe 15 steps from my bed, Bauman, of Silver Spring, Maryland, told NBC News. I wasnt sure I could get from the bathroom to my bed. She developed chills, but no fever.
Baumans doctor said her symptoms were consistent with what physicians are learning about other coronavirus cases, though they are still waiting for the results from Baumans COVID-19 test.
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Brendan McLaughlin, 28, felt lightheaded and weak before the fever, chills and body aches began.
Id been healthy, McLaughlin said. I try to eat right. I take care of myself.
First Us Cases Of Flurona Are Diagnosed In Kids With Mild Symptoms
She explained their data found almost 50 per cent of the new daily cases were in people who only had two jabs.
The expert urged caution over the next few weeks, warning the NHS is already under immense pressure with the rest of the month set to be a trial.
A number of trusts have declared critical incidentsamid staff shortages and beds filling up.
Dr Steves said while case numbers are starting to slow in positive signs, the return of kids to schools could see it rise again.
But if everyone eligible has their boosters, wears masks, takes tests and notes any new symptoms it will be a huge help to stem the spread, she added.
The expert said anyone who has a cold should avoid going out to be safe, saying: If youre feeling at all under the weather please get a test and make sure you are clear of Covid.
New data from London showed a drop in cases, after the Omicron outbreak exploded in the capital before Christmas.
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Treatment For Muscle And Joint Pain
In case you dont have any other symptoms that would indicate having one of the conditions described below consider using some homemade treatments to ease the pain.
Here is what you can do to relieve muscle discomfort:
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease As A Cause Of Joint Pain And Fatigue
IBD can include Crohns disease as well as ulcerative colitis . They are both chronic conditions that affect the digestive system.
Ulcerative Colitis leads to inflammation in the large intestine. Crohns results in sores and ulcerations in the gastrointestinal tract.
Some of the common symptoms of IBD include joint pain and fatigue. With the onset of chronic inflammation, the digestive tract can get infected or damaged with ulcerations, abscesses and fistulas. This leads to rectal bleeding and diarrhea.
IBD can also have life-threatening perforations of the intestines. In fact, hemorrhages may require emergency blood transfusions and surgery.
Inflammatory bowel disease may look different in different patients. It can be quite difficult to diagnose because people will confuse IBS with diarrhea or constipation. However, it cannot be called an autoimmune disease.
What Causes Your Fatigue
Many physical and mental illnesses, as well as lifestyle factors, can cause your fatigue, and that can make it hard to diagnose. In some cases, it might be something simple and easy to fix, like having caffeine at bedtime. But other causes, like heart disease or COPD, are serious, and you may need to start long-term treatment right away.
Your doctor can help you sift through your health issues, as well as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits, in order to zero in on the cause and help you on the road to recovery.
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Osteoporosis Medications That Can Lead To Fatigue
Osteoporosis occurs when the body loses too much bone mass, or doesnt build new bone fast enough, increasing the risk of fractures. Some medications prescribed to promote bone health and bone density can cause side effects that may disturb sleep and promote fatigue.
Many MyOsteoTeam members taking Prolia , an osteoporosis drug given to postmenopausal women with a high risk of bone fractures, reported frequent nocturnal trips to the bathroom. Every night I wake up, sometimes four times, because I need to pee, said one member.
Another woman taking Forteo , a drug that increases bone density and bone strength, got nighttime cramps. Others reported general fatigue from Tymlos . When I was on that therapy for a year, the fatigue doubled, said one member of MyOsteoTeam.
If you suspect your fatigue may be related to a medication prescribed for osteoporosis, talk to your doctor. They can help identify the source of the fatigue and manage any side effects related to osteoporosis medications.
What Are The Causes Of Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness is commonly due to lack of exercise, ageing, muscle injury or pregnancy. It can also occur with long-term conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. There are many other possible causes, which include stroke, multiple sclerosis, depression, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome .
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Vitamin D And Dietary Supplements
Vitamin D deficiency is known to cause fatigue, muscle weakness, and brittle bones. Lack of vitamin B12, magnesium, or potassium can also contribute to exhaustion and fatigue. Some members learned they had an iron deficiency, which can create sluggishness. Ive been on an iron supplement for two months and don’t tire as easily anymore, explained one member.
A routine blood test can identify nutritional deficiencies. Speak to your doctor about testing if you suspect you may have a nutritional imbalance.
Many members use a range of dietary supplements to combat fatigue. Im finally getting a good night’s rest, said one member. If anyone wants pictures of the supplements I’m taking, let me know.
Always consult your doctor before adding dietary supplements to your routine. Some supplements can cause dangerous interactions with medications or cause side effects of their own.
Never Ignore Chronic Body Aches & Fatigue
Chronic body aches and fatigue can affect anyone- no matter what your age- and can be a quite stressful experience.
Some of the most common body aches include neck/back pain, muscle pain, headaches, and joint pain. In addition, there is neuropathic pain, which is a condition that results in a malfunction of the nervous system.
Chronic body aches and fatigue can be a serious medical condition that needs medical attention and should never be ignored.
Following are some of the most common causes of body aches and fatigue that you should be aware of.
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Heart Disease And Fatigue
Symptoms: Fatigue from an activity that should be easy
If youre exhausted after an activity that used to be easy for example, walking up the steps it may be time to talk to your doctor about the possibility of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. If your fatigue is related to your heart, medication or treatments can usually help correct the problem, cut the fatigue, and restore your energy.
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Sleep Disorders And Fatigue
Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, feeling exhausted upon awakening, snoring
Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that disrupt or prevent restful, restorative sleep. That can take a toll on your health and quality of life, so its important to look out for signs and symptoms.
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Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders. If you or your partner notices loud snoring and you wake up tired and stay that way, you could have sleep apnea. More than one-third of adults in the U.S. snore at least a few nights a week. But if the snoring stops your breathing for seconds at a time, it could be sleep apnea. Learn more about the best sleep positions and see if sleeping on your stomach is bad or not.
Obstructive sleep apnea causes low blood oxygen levels. Thats because blockages prevent air from getting to the lungs. The low oxygen levels also affect how well your heart and brain work. Sometimes, the only clue that you might have sleep apnea is chronic fatigue.
Your doctor may prescribe a medical device called CPAP that helps keep your airways open while you sleep. In severe cases of sleep apnea, surgery may help. The surgeon will remove tissues that are blocking the airways. If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
But sleep apnea is just one of many sleep disorders that cause fatigue. Other common types include:
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Primary Or True Muscle Weakness
This shows itself as an inability to perform what you want to do with a muscle, even the first time you try. There is a reduction in the force which the muscle can exert, however hard you try. The muscle is not working properly it has become abnormal.
When this kind of weakness occurs the muscles are often floppier than usual and reduced in bulkiness. It can happen, for example, following stroke. It is also seen in a condition called muscular dystrophy . Both of these conditions result in weakened muscles which cannot move the usual load. Its a real change in muscle power.
Too Much Calcium In Your Blood
When the bones are damaged, calcium is released into the bloodstream. Too much calcium in the blood is called hypercalcaemia. This makes you feel very thirsty, sick and tired. You might also pass a lot of urine, as your body tries to get rid of the extra calcium. If hypercalcaemia is not treated and gets worse, it can make you drowsy and difficult to wake.
About 30 out of 100 people with myeloma have symptoms like these when they first go to the doctor.
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Can Neck Issues Cause Tiredness
Fatigue, moodiness, muscle pain, and brain fog are among the thyroid-related symptoms associated with numerous other health-related issues. For this reason, getting an accurate diagnosis may involve developing a better understanding of internal body functions related to your cervical spine and the thyroid gland in the front of your neck. Today, were going to explore this topic a bit more and discuss how chiropractic adjustments could help.
Spotting The Difference: Cancer Related Fatigue Vs Everyday Fatigue
Each Sunday this year, we’ll be looking at a symptom of leukaemia as part of our #LC50 campaign. This month, we’re focussing on fatigue, and how cancer-related fatigue differs from everyday fatigue. Read all about this symptom and how to spot it.
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Fatigue is by far the most common symptom experienced by blood cancer patients prior to a diagnosis. According to our 2018 patient survey, 56% of leukaemia patients will experience fatigue in the lead up to their diagnosis.
The fatigue that comes with leukaemia or any cancer is known as cancer-related fatigue and it is characterised by extreme or persistent exhaustion that disrupts your daily activities and function. People who have CRF have no energy and find it extremely difficult to complete even the simple, everyday tasks that others take for granted. Spotting the difference between harmless and harmful fatigue may be key in diagnosing leukaemia early.
I was a physical guy, and then all of a sudden, no explanation, I felt like I was in treacle. Very fatigued and very tired.
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Lymph Node Inflammation Behind The Ear
There are lymph nodes behind the ear. Lymph nodes are where your immune cells live, and when they become enlarged, it could be from a nearby infection, immune response, or even backlog of blood.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: pain behind the ear, swelling behind the ears
Symptoms that always occur with lymph node inflammation behind the ear: swelling behind the ears
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Bone Pain In Pregnancy
Pelvic bone pain is a common occurrence for many pregnant women. This pain is sometimes referred to as pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain . Symptoms include pain in the pubic bone and stiffness and pain in the pelvic joints.
PPGP typically doesnt resolve until after delivery. Early treatment can reduce symptoms, though. Treatment options may include:
- manual therapy to move the joints correctly
- physical therapy
- water exercises
- exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor
While common, PPGP is still abnormal. You should contact your doctor for treatment if you experience pelvic pain.
A doctor needs to identify the pains underlying cause to recommend treatment. Treating the underlying cause can drastically reduce or eliminate your pain.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history. Common questions include:
- Where is the pain located?
- When did you first experience the pain?
- Is the pain getting worse?
- Are there any other symptoms that accompany the bone pain?
Your doctor may order blood tests to look for vitamin deficiencies or cancer markers. Blood tests may also help your doctor detect infections and adrenal gland disorders that can interfere with bone health.
Bone X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can help your doctor evaluate the affected area for injuries, bone lesions, and tumors within the bone.
Urine studies can be used to detect abnormalities within the bone marrow, including multiple myeloma.
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When To See A Doctor For Neck Pain Along The Lymph Nodes
Treatment for neck pain along the lymph nodes will depend on the specific cause. Your healthcare provider may make the following suggestions/treatments in the setting of neck swelling.
- Antibiotics: If your symptoms are due to a bacterial cause, your physician will prescribe the appropriate antibiotics.
- Supportive care: Many causes of enlarged lymph nodes may be viral in nature. Viral causes will not resolve with antibiotics, and your physician will most likely suggest supportive remedies, such as resting or pain relief if that is the case.
- Cancer treatment: Lymphoma treatment may involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy medications, radiation therapy, a bone marrow transplant or some combination of these. Other cancer treatments involve similar treatment modalities as well.
I Have Muscle Weakness
If you have muscle weakness and visit your doctor, they will first need to know the following:
- How it began and how long you have had it for.
- Whether it is getting worse, getting better or staying the same.
- Whether you are otherwise well, are losing weight or have travelled abroad recently.
- What medicines or other drugs you have been taking and whether there are any muscle problems in your family.
Your doctor will need to examine you to see which muscles are affected and whether you have true or perceived muscle weakness. They will check to see whether your muscles are tender to touch or unusually ‘fatigable’. They may want to watch you walk.
They will then need to test your nerves to see whether the muscles are getting the right signals to act. Your doctor may need to test your central nervous system, including your balance and co-ordination. They may need to perform blood tests to look for abnormalities of hormones, salts and blood cells.
Depending on the results of these tests your doctor may also order the following:
- Nerve studies to make sure the nerves are conducting properly.
- A muscle biopsy to see whether the muscles themselves show signs of inflammation or damage. A biopsy is a procedure where a small sample is taken to look at under the microscope.
- Body scans such as CT or MRI to look for conditions elsewhere in the body which may affect muscle power and function.
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Red Flags For Serious Causes Of Neck Pain
Its rare, but of course once in a while neck pain may be a warning sign of cancer, infection, autoimmune disease, or some kind of structural problem like spinal cord injury or a threat to an important blood vessel. Some of these ominous situations cause hard-to-miss signs and symptoms other than pain and most are likely to be diagnosed correctly and promptly so, if it feels serious, stop consulting Dr. Google and just go get checked out.
Otherwise, if you are aware of the red flags, you can get checked out when the time is right and avoid excessive worry until then.
A personal worry example One day I became convinced that the terrible stubborn pain in my neck had to be a cancer. It was one of the lowest moments of my life. The pain had been escalating slowly for months, and eventually it got so severe and unrelenting that I lost my cool. But then, after an emergency massage appointment, I felt almost completely better and that particular pain never bothered me again.
This is often how it goes with chronic pain: just when we think we cant stand it anymore, it finally goes away. Its always darkest before the dawn.
The rule of thumb is that you should start a more thorough medical investigation when all three of these conditions are met, three general red flags for neck pain:
