How Can Dispatchhealth Help
When youre experiencing unrelenting fatigue, it can be difficult to find the energy to get in the car and head to the doctors office. With DispatchHealth, you dont have to. Our qualified medical team will come to you to treat your fatigue within the comfort of your own home. We accept most major insurance carriers, including Medicaid and Medicare, and offer an affordable flat rate for uninsured patients. Requesting care is easyall you have to do is to receive medical attention for your fatigue at your doorstep within a few hours. Get in touch today to get to the bottom of your fatigue.
How To Know When Dizziness Is A Serious Symptom
This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support , Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support , Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee in 2006.There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 21,165 times.
Some people experience dizziness as feeling lightheaded or faint, getting the spins, losing balance, or having tunnel vision. Dizziness occurs for many reasons. Usually, its nothing to worry about. Sometimes, however, getting dizzy can be a sign that something more serious is going on.XResearch source If you get occasional dizziness without any other symptoms, dont worry. Learn to recognize signs that you should discuss your dizziness with your doctor, or seek medical help right away.
Which Of The Following Can Cause Acute Fatigue
Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed.
It is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Inflammation of the thyroid gland is the most common cause. Other symptoms may include hair loss, depression, heavier menstrual periods, weakness, unintentional weight gain and being more sensitive to cold.
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What Are Some Tips For Good Eating Habits That Help Encourage Sleep
The Dietitians of Canada have made the following recommendations:
Establish Regular Eating Times
Our bodies need energy provided by food to be able to perform our daily activities. Having meals at regular times is important to function at our best. If you tend to skip meals or eat at irregular times, you may experience fatigue, food cravings or increased eating at the next meal. Aim to have at least three meals a day including a variety of foods as described in Canada’s Food Guide. If working night shifts, try to have your âmain mealâ before going to work. A heavy meal during the night may cause heartburn, gas or constipation, as well as make you feel sleepy or sluggish.
Snack Ideas for Your Work Break
Having snacks in between meals is a great way to keep us nourished and give us the energy we need to complete our work shifts. At breaks, opt for healthy snacks that include combinations from a variety of foods from the four food groups. Here are some ideas:
- crackers or fruit and cheese
- social tea cookies and milk
- yogurt and a small low fat muffin
- celery sticks with peanut butter
- baby carrots with low fat cream cheese dip
- cut up fresh fruit or have nuts mixed with plain yogurt
Check your Caffeine Intake
Excessive intake of caffeine can cause insomnia, headaches, irritability and nervousness. It is recommended that foods containing caffeine should not be consumed up to 8 hours before sleeping.
Common caffeine sources include:
What Are The Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue
Among the symptoms are severe fatigue that comes from work, physical activity, shopping or something as simple as showering. Other symptoms include sleep problems and muscle pain and aches.
Fatigue is a vague symptom. It could be coming from a lot of different things, Dr. Zaidi said. We have to properly investigate how long its been occurring, and rule out secondary causes. Could it be sleep apnea, depression, a thyroid problem, could it be anemic? Those are to name a few.
Dr. Zaidi recommends talking to your doctor about your symptoms and have the appropriate bloodwork done to eliminate other causes.
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How Can You Combat Fatigue
Happily, there are numerous approaches you can take to reduce fatigue. Firstly, itâs important to rule out underlying medical conditions. Sleep problems are only some of the causes of fatigue and there are several medical reasons that can cause it.
A first step would be to chat to your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying causes. If a sleep disorder is suspected, then there are several factors that can put you at higher risk of fatigue, including:
Itâs clear from this short list that some of these factors can be addressed by health and lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, optimising sleep and looking after your mental wellbeing could all lead to a reduction in the levels of perceived fatigue.
Ensuring good sleep hygiene is another way to combat fatigue, so itâs a good idea to think about your sleep habits and sleep environment if you feel like youâre suffering from daytime fatigue.
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Is It Possible That I Have Pots And Was Incorrectly Diagnosed
This is entirely possible. Given how common POTS symptoms are and how unfamiliar many doctors are with this condition, diagnostic mishaps happen. POTS is frequently misidentified as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, anxiety disorder, ADHD, irritable bowel syndrome, myositis, etc. It is also possible that you have both POTS and one of these conditions, which may complicate the diagnosis. Sometimes people with POTS are told that its all in your head, implying that the cause of their symptoms is psychological. If you feel like something is physically wrong, dont hesitate to seek a second, and even a third or fourth opinion.
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What Fatigue Really Feels Like
Think about these scenarios:
- You had the flu and it knocked you out for a short period. You were too sick to get much done, and definitely too sick to work or play with your children.
- You had too much fun and a few too many drinks one night, then couldnt get off the couch the entire next day. You felt so weak and tired that you had to call in sick with some made-up illness.
Chronic fatigue resembles these situations, but its worse because it doesnt get better with medicine, rest, caffeine, a greasy breakfast, or time.
Indeed, Dr. Barlett told me that Im not alone in these descriptions.
People with RA will often describe their fatigue as a feeling of being completely wiped out or utterly exhausted or how I feel when Im coming down with the flu, she says. This type of fatigue does not seem to improve with sleep or rest, and very often is a sign that disease activity is increasing. Indeed, in work we did across many countries, almost everyone we spoke with mentioned extreme fatigue as the first and most reliable signs that they are about to have a serious disease flare.
Our fatigue is always there, nagging away.
When Should I Be Concerned About Fatigue
If you think you might be at risk or already showing symptoms of exhaustion it’s time to call your GP.
‘When someone is showing signs of exhaustion,’ Dr Brewer says, ‘a GP should ask questions to help pinpoint the cause .
‘They should also examine you checking your blood pressure, heart rhythm, temperature, thyroid size, liver, and look for any obvious intra-abdominal lumps).’
Still at odds? ‘Request a screening test to rule out conditions such as a hidden infection, anaemia, diabetes, thyroid or other autoimmune diseases, kidney liver or heart problems,’ Dr Brewer suggests.
If you think you could be suffering from symptoms of exhaustion or extreme fatigue, see a GP. They’ll be able to assess your symptoms and prescribe medication, if necessary.
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What Symptoms Are Related To Fatigue
Symptoms of and associated with fatigue include:
- feeling very tired
- problems with hand-eye coordination
- increased chance of taking risks or making errors
Fatigue often gets worse gradually. You might not realise how much it is affecting you until you think about all the things you could do previously.
The Difference Between Counseling And Psychotherapy
Although the terms counseling and therapy are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between psychotherapy and psychological counseling. Counseling focuses on specific issues and is designed to help a person address a particular problem, such as addiction or stress management. The focus may be on problem solving or on learning specific techniques for coping with or avoiding problem areas. Counseling is also usually more short-term than therapy.
Psychotherapy is more long-term than counseling and focuses on a broader range of issues. The underlying principle is that a person’s patterns of thinking and behavior affect the way that person interacts with the world. Depending on the specific type of psychotherapy that is being used, the goal is to help people feel better equipped to manage stress, understand patterns in their behavior that may interfere with reaching personal goals, have more satisfying relationships, and better regulate their thinking and emotional responses to stressful situations. If someone has a form of mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or an anxiety disorder, psychotherapy also addresses ways in which the illnesses affects their daily life, focuses on how to best understand the illness and manage its symptoms and follow medical recommendations.
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Seven Causes Of Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue is often caused by excessive stress, which can be from many sources.6 Chemical toxicity and nutritional depletion are among the physical causes. Mental, emotional, or spiritual stress may be a major factor, too. Financial, family, or other stress may also contribute to burnout. Even infections can play a role. You need to identify the stressor causing your symptoms to properly treat adrenal fatigue.
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Why Am I Tired All The Time
Feeling exhausted is so common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands for tired all the time.
We all feel tired from time to time. The reasons are usually obvious and include:
- too many late nights
- long hours spent at work
- a baby keeping you up at night
But tiredness or exhaustion that goes on for a long time is not normal. It can affect your ability to get on and enjoy your life.
Unexplained tiredness is one of the most common reasons for people to see their GP.
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How Is Chronic Fatigue Treated
As far as treatment goes, Dr. Zaidi said the biggest help to a person suffering from CFS is to offer emotional support. A regimented physical therapy program is also recommended. Its also important not to overdo it when it comes to activities and to get proper rest when needed. Patience and understanding are especially important for persons recovering from a COVID-19 diagnosis.
As long as you mentally understand what this disease is and what outcomes there can be for you, we can get down to what aspects of your quality of life youd like the greatest improvement. Thats where that discussion between you and your doctor is going to have to happen, Dr. Zaidi said.
Where To Get Help
- Wilson J, Morgan S, Magin P, et al. 2014, Fatigue a rational approach to investigation, Australian Family Physician, vol. 43, no. 7, pp. 457-461, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. More information here.
- Fatigue, 2013, MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine. More information here.
- Fatigue, Mayo Clinic, USA. More information here.
- Fatigue in the workplace, WorkSafe Victoria. More information here.
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If You Complain Of A Generalized Lack Of Energy You Are Complaining Of:
Fatigue refers to a lack of energy. It is different from weakness, which refers to a loss of strength or power, and drowsiness, because you can feel tired without feeling drowsy or sleepy. Although people sometimes use these terms interchangeably, from a medical perspective the symptoms are distinctly different.
Chronic fatigue is one aspect of the specific medical condition myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, but ME/CFS involves more than just fatigue. You can have chronic fatigue without having chronic fatigue syndrome. ME/CFS is extreme, long-term fatigue that is associated with other multiple symptoms. Also, in ME/CFS, other possible causes of fatigue have been ruled out.
Whats The Difference Between Tiredness And Fatigue
Feeling tired or sleepy simply means youre having trouble staying awake and want to nod off, sleep specialist Christopher Winter, M.D., owner of Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine, tells SELF. Constant fatigue, on the other hand, is when youre seriously lacking energy on a consistent basis.
This can be a tricky thing for even doctors to suss out. Fatigue is a subjective feeling, Alfred F. Tallia, M.D., MPH, professor and chair of family medicine and community health at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, tells SELF. And in his experience, its one of the most common symptoms that prompt people to make an appointment with their family doctor.
Laurie A. Kane, M.D., an endocrinologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, agrees that it can be difficult to figure out if a patient has constant fatigue or just normal tiredness. Its a matter of semantics, she tells SELF. We have to really try to understand what a patient means when they come in and talk about what theyre experiencing.
In general, though, normal fatigue gets better when youre able to rest , and normal sleepiness gets better with more sleep.
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What Percentage Of Patients Complain To Their Primary Care Doctor About Fatigue That Interferes With Their Daily Lives
Fatigue is one of the most common complaints in medicine, accounting for an estimated 10 million doctor office visits each year.
Because fatigue is a common feature of everyday life but also a common symptom of so many different medical conditions, it can be difficult for doctors to properly assess and treat. In many cases, the most important medical response to persistent fatigue is to get tested for potential underlying physical or psychological medical conditions.
Acute Fatigue As Urgent/emergent
The new onset with sudden and profound change in ability to do what one used to do can be an urgent or emergent condition. If the fatigue is associated with chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heart rate, or sense of imminent passing out, these are urgent conditions that warrant immediate medical attention. These could be symptoms of a serious heart condition or major vascular insufficiency. Likewise, if this type of fatigue is associated with suicidal or homicidal thoughts, then immediate medical attention is required.
The bottom line is that being tired or fatigued is expected more as we age than when we were young. There are things we can do to restore some of that old vim and vigor, but there are some conditions that might cause this that require our seeking medical help. Be alert if you are fatigued!
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What Causes Chronic Fatigue
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , chronic fatigue syndrome affects up to 2.5 million people in the United States, although many more remain undiagnosed. Anyone adults, children, adolescents can get CFS, but its most common between the ages of 40 and 60. Women are more likely than men to be impacted by CFS.
According to Dr. Zaidi, there is no test to diagnose CFS. Some of the possible causes are infections, changes to your immune system, genetics and stress.
Basically, it is an immune response to what we know, Dr. Zaidi said.
Anything that stimulates a response to stress can cause CFS. That could be a bacterial or viral infection, a prolonged illness or prolonged hospitalization.
What It Could Mean If Youre Tired All The Time
You dont want to get out of bed and, once you finally do, you cant find the energy to exercise. During the day, you lack the ability to concentrate on anything, feeling tired all the time.
Just like paper cuts and bad dreams, fatigue happens to everyone at some point. Its a common ailment, reported by as many as one-third of people visiting their primary care physician.
In many cases, fatigue is a normal response to life circumstances: stress, a change in sleeping patterns, a heavy workload. Since we cant always avoid these things, Dr. Tom Declercq, a professor of medicine at Belgiums Ghent University, suggests giving yourself more rest than usual during these times to restore energy levels. Its very important to listen to your body when its asking for more sleep, he says.
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Diagnosis Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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Laboratory tests to exclude other causes of symptoms
At least one of the following manifestations is also required:
-
Difficulty thinking
-
Feeling of light-headedness or dizziness when standing up that is relieved by lying down
The frequency and severity of the symptoms should be assessed by a doctor. If people do not have these symptoms at least half of the time with moderate, substantial, or severe intensity, doctors reconsider the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome .
Criteria for diagnosis are important mainly because they help doctors communicate clearly with each other when they study a problem. However, when treating a specific individual, doctors focus more on that persons symptoms rather than the criteria.
