Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Possible Reasons For Extreme Fatigue

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Heart Disease And Fatigue

Top 5 Extreme Fatigue Causes

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.

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.

COVID-19 and POTS: Is There a Link?

Although many people recover quickly from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, others who recover may continue to experience symptoms for months. Researchers are still determining the cause of these extended symptoms, but some COVID-19 “long-haulers” may actually be dealing with POTS.

How Is A Pots Diagnosis Made

Problems with the autonomic nervous system can be difficult to diagnose. The standard test for POTS is the tilt table test. During the test, you are secured to a table that tilts from being horizontal to almost a 90-degree angle. The test measures your hearts response to switching from laying down to standing up. Some people with POTS faint during this test, even if they rarely faint standing up.

Although the test seems straightforward, many things can interfere with it. Its important that a POTS specialist oversees it. Its best to work with a doctor who has diagnosed and treated patients with POTS. This could be a cardiologist, a neuromuscular specialist or another doctor.

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The Impact Of Caffeine And Energy Drinks

90% of American adults drink caffeine-infused beverages almost every day. This includes coffee, tea, and energy drinks, which have high quantities of sugar in addition to containing the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. Some of the smaller energy shots can contain up to 160mg of caffeine in a 60ml bottle. With extreme tiredness, you may start drinking too much of these drinks to give yourself a temporary energy boost.

The problem is that these caffeinated beverages have short-lived results and do not tackle your general fatigue. Caffeine has a stimulatory effect on the nervous system, and creates a momentary surge of adrenaline. However, once it subsides, you are left drained of energy the opposite effect to what you wanted. Caffeine can also lead to other problems such as:

So rather than improving your fatigue, caffeine can cause you to feel worse.

Probable Causes Of Extreme Fatigue And How To Deal With It

Causes Of Extreme Tiredness And Fatigue

If you have been experiencing tiredness all day long, so much so that you are not able to concentrate on your routine work, chances are that you may be suffering from fatigue. The following article provides information on some of the most common causes of extreme fatigue along with some tips to overcome it.

If you have been experiencing tiredness all day long, so much so that you are not able to concentrate on your routine work, chances are that you may be suffering from fatigue. The following article provides information on some of the most common causes of extreme fatigue along with some tips to overcome it.

There are some days when you feel very tired after a hectic day at home or at your workplace. This kind of fatigue is normal, where you get recharged once you relax and take rest. However, some people feel extremely tired even waking up after long hours of sleep or even after walking for some minutes. Such kind of tiredness which seems to have no apparent reason is known as extreme fatigue. It is characterized by low energy levels, weakness, inattentiveness and inability to focus and complete tasks.

Possible Causes

Excessive tiredness is not triggered by just one cause. There can be many reasons for a person to be affected by loss of strength or low energy levels. Let us look at some of the extreme fatigue causes.

Diseases

  • Anemia
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Cancer

Psychological Problems

  • Depression
  • Stress

Medication

  • Steroids
  • Anti-hypertensive drugs

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High Levels Of Stress

Youve lived through the year 2020 and battled a global pandemic needless to say, the potential to have large levels of stress in your life is higher now than ever before. With the increased levels of stress, your body is pumping in more and more of the hormone cortisol, which leads to adrenal fatigue. Cortisol is the bodys premier stress hormone. Too much cortisol, according to theHormone Health Network, can lead to Cushings syndrome, which causes an increase in depression and anxiety, and it also can cause rapid weight gain all resulting in higher levels of fatigue.

What can help:While many external circumstances are out of your control, managing internal stressors is a start to help minimize cortisol levels. Incorporate mental health days into your calendar, or harness the power of meditation to help create a sense of calmness.

What Else Causes Fatigue

Some lifestyle habits can make you feel tired. Here are some things that may be draining your energy:

  • Staying up too late. A good night’s sleep is important to feeling refreshed and energetic. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
  • Having too much caffeine. Drinking caffeinated drinks like soda, tea, or coffee late in the day can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. Limit the amount of caffeine you have during the day and avoid it in the evening.
  • Drinking too much alcohol.Alcohol changes the way you think and act. It may also interact with your medicines.
  • Eating junk food. Say “no thanks” to food with empty calories, like fried foods and sweets, which have few nutrients and are high in fat and sugars. Choose nutritious foods to get the energy you need to do the things you enjoy.
  • Getting too little or too much exercise. Regular exercise can boost your energy levels, but dont overdo it.

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Getting Adequate Rest Can Fight Short

In most cases, chronic fatigue is not substantially improved by rest. Chronic fatigue often makes it more difficult to get adequate rest. Similarly, fatigue can interfere with sleep, resulting in unrefreshing sleep, difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakening, or sleep apnea.

Rest is unlikely to relieve fatigue caused by a medical condition.

Possible Causes Of Extreme Fatigue In Women

Extreme Fatigue Causes Revealed

There are many reasons that could underlie extreme fatigue in women. Web MD lists some 7 factors that are the most common reasons for fatigue in women. Fatigue could be caused by anemia which causes hemoglobin deficiency and hence lack of energy.

Additionally hypothyroidism , an undiagnosed urinary tract infection, an overdose of caffeine, certain food intolerances, sleep apnea and an undiagnosed disease of the heart could be underlying causes of fatigue experienced by women.

Though these are the common causes, extreme fatigue in women could have these or other underlying causes as well

Depression, anxiety, stress, lack of sleep For women, who typically have to juggle home and professional commitments as well, stress is a reality of life simply taking on too much to do can be a cause of fatigue.

Research has shown that women are particularly prone to anxiety and depression and these can generate extreme fatigue in women.

Accompanying the fatigue could be other symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness or guilt, a greater desire to sleep, an unexplained weight gain, difficulty concentrating and so on.

Sometimes the fatigue could be caused by something as simple as lack of restful sleep, since insomnia and fatigue are closely linked. Indicators could be nodding off at inopportune times, being surprised by yawns when least expected, and general lethargy.

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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!

Reasons Youre Always Tired

Did you bounce out of bed this morning feeling fresh and revitalised? Or did you stay snuggled under the doona until the last possible moment before opening your bleary eyes to face the day ahead?

Sometimes, theres an obvious reason for persistent tiredness like caring for a young baby or adjusting to being on night shift.

You can’t see the reason for your constant fatigue, though. If you regularly feel like youre too tired for the day ahead, then its time to look at your diet and lifestyle and overall health.

Here are 5 common reasons for feeling constantly tired.

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Fatigue Cause No 1: Heart Disease

When fatigue strikes during everyday activities, such as cleaning the house or weeding the yard, it can be a sign that your heart is no longer up to the job. If you notice it’s becoming increasingly difficult to finish tasks that were once easy, talk to your doctor about heart disease.

Fix: Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapeutic procedures can get heart disease under control and restore your energy.

Is Pots More Common In Certain People

How to Tell if You Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There are no established risk factors for POTS. However, it is known to run in families, so it could have a genetic component. Researchers have also established a link between POTS and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome . So if you have one of these conditions, you might also have the other.

A big group of those diagnosed with POTS is young women and teens. However, this doesnt mean they are more likely to develop this condition.

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Your Doctor May Also:

  • take your sleep history, including how much sleep you get each night, what the quality of your sleep is like, and whether you snore, wake or stop breathing in the night
  • do a physical examination to check for signs of illness or disease
  • carry out tests to rule out physical causes, such as blood and urine tests.

Dehydration And Inadequate Nutrition

Staying hydrated and getting proper nutrition is important for keeping your energy levels up. Research shows that a lack of fluid intake is associated with increased sleeplessness, fatigue, and irritability.

Not getting enough calories in your diet can also leave you feeling tired all the time, as can eating too many refined carbohydrates or not getting enough protein. Allergies to foods such as wheat, peanuts, or dairy may also contribute to tiredness.

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How Can I Ease Or Relieve Fatigue

If a medical condition isnât causing your fatigue, lifestyle changes may improve your symptoms. To reduce fatigue, you can:

  • Practice good sleep habits: Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Donât drink caffeine, use electronics, or exercise right before bed. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
  • Avoid toxins: Donât use illegal drugs, and drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
  • Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet and plenty of water will keep your body nourished and hydrated.
  • Manage stress: Yoga, mindfulness, meditation and regular exercise can help you relieve stress and gain more energy.
  • See your healthcare provider: Make an appointment to rule out infections, disease, illness, vitamin deficiencies and other health conditions. You should also talk to your provider about medications youâre taking to see if they are causing your symptoms.
  • Exercise often: Regular exercise is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Though it might seem counter-intuitive, vigorous exercise can help you feel more energetic once you get used to it. But exercising too much can cause fatigue, so talk to your provider about whatâs best for you.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Talk to your healthcare provider about your ideal weight, and try to stay within that range.

Fatigue Cause No 1: Cfs And Fibromyalgia

7 common extreme fatigue causes

If your fatigue lasts more than six months and is so severe that you can’t manage your daily activities, chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia are a possibility. Both can have various symptoms, but persistent, unexplained exhaustion is a main one.

Fix: While there’s no quick fix for CFS or fibromyalgia, patients often benefit from changing their daily schedule, learning better sleep habits, and starting a gentle exercise program.

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A Vitamin Or Nutrient Deficiency

A vitamin deficiency, such as not getting enough vitamin D or vitamin B12, could cause you to feel severely tired, per the Cleveland Clinic. Dehydration can have the same effect.

You could also feel suddenly exhausted if you’ve recently started a high-protein diet. It’s not the protein itself making you tired, but the lack of carbohydrates. Severely restricting carbs causes your body to enter ketosis, where it breaks down fat for energy, per the Mayo Clinic. The side effects of ketosis include fatigue as well as headache, weakness and bad breath.

These side effects are usually temporary, but if ketosis is causing your sudden energy crash, you may want to add more fiber-rich, complex carbohydrates to your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains like oatmeal and brown rice. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend carbs make up 45 to 65 percent of your total daily calories.

Similarly, skipping meals or following a very low-calorie diet could sap your energy. Keep in mind that people assigned female at birth should avoid eating fewer than 1,200 calories per day, and people assigned male at birth should eat at least 1,500 calories per day, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

Irregular Sleep Cycle Or Lack Of Sleep

Whether you deprive yourself of sleep on a nightly basis or yo-yo between under-sleeping and oversleeping, your body is conditioned to rely on consistent and predictable sleep patterns to function efficiently. Factors like alcohol, stress and even the pressure points in a mattress can affect your sleeps REM cycle. When the body lacks proper sleep, the consequences result in a lack of energy, which is one of the leading causes of fatigue.

What can help:First, try to schedule sleep into your calendar. You should be going to sleep and waking up at the same time every night. To help unwind and prepare for sleep, avoid blue light from your phone, computer or TV for at least 30 minutes before bed. Also, take note of your mattress if youre tossing and turning a lot, it could be time for a new one.

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What Are The Possible Causes Of Sudden Fatigue

Sudden onset of fatigue is associated with a number of lifestyle aspects and diseases. The causes of sudden fatigue are attributed to overworking, lack of sleep, sleep disorders, low blood sugar, iron-deficiency anemia, and other factors.

Sudden onset of fatigue is associated with a number of lifestyle aspects and diseases. The causes of sudden fatigue are attributed to overworking, lack of sleep, sleep disorders, low blood sugar, iron-deficiency anemia, and other factors.

With the kind of lifestyle we are leading today, fatigue and weakness seem to be common complaints for everyone. General weakness after a long tiring day is something that we can understand. But, what causes sudden fatigue? Is an underlying disease responsible for causing fatigue? Well, fatigue can be caused due to diseases, mental pressure, and many other reasons. The root causes of sudden and extreme fatigue are linked to physical and mental problems.

Exercise Can Help Counter The Effects Of Fatigue

10 Surprising Reasons for Extreme Fatigue After Eating ...

Exercise can often help relieve the effects of fatigue, especially more short-lived, acute forms of fatigue. Remaining physically active is important for patients with CFS, however, the approach to exercise must be individualized since exercise can cause the symptoms to become worse for some people. Other things that may help: better hydration, better diet, relaxation, and, of course, more rest and better sleep.

Caffeine and other stimulants may help fight fatigue in the short term, but longer-term, they may actually contribute to the problem.

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Some Illnesses Cause Fatigue

Sometimes, fatigue can be the first sign that something is wrong in your body. For example, people with rheumatoid arthritis, a painful condition that affects the joints, often complain of fatigue. People with cancer may feel fatigued from the disease, treatments, or both.

Many medical problems and treatments can add to fatigue. These include:

  • Taking certain medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and medicines for nausea and pain
  • Having medical treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, or recovering from major surgery
  • Infections
  • Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Untreated pain and diseases like fibromyalgia
  • Anemia
  • Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders

Managing a health problem may make the fatigue go away. Your doctor can help.

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