Wednesday, March 27, 2024

What Illnesses Can Cause Extreme Fatigue

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Exercise Can Worsen The Symptoms Of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic Fatigue Stndrome

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

While exercise can be helpful for more common forms of fatigue, the relationship of exercise to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is much more complex. Exercise can, in fact, temporarily worsen the symptoms of CFS — a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “post-exertional malaise” or “payback.” This can strike ME/CFS patients about 12 to 48 hours after exercise and make their symptoms worse for days or even weeks.

Even so, ME/CFS patients are not discouraged from exercising. A carefully structured and balanced program of exercise can, over time, help build stamina. Not exercising can cause deconditioning, which can make symptoms worse.

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.

What Are The Common Causes Of Fatigue

Remember, feeling tired every now and then is something we all experience. This sort of tiredness might be caused by a change in eating habits, taking new medications, or simply not getting enough sleep. Still, if youre feeling fatigued and there have been no significant changes in your day to day, it might be a sign of something more.

Recommended Reading: Can High Blood Pressure Cause Fatigue

Myth: Better Drowsy Than Drunk

Most people are aware of the dangers of driving drunk, but they may not take sleepiness seriously. Thatâs a mistake. Researchers have found that going 18 to 24 hours without sleep is a risk similar to being legally drunk, when it comes to driver impairment. Like alcohol, sleepiness and fatigue lead to poor judgment and reaction time, not to mention the risk of dozing off.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue: Top 8 Nutrient Deficiencies

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur when your blood doesn’t circulate properly, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Doctors don’t totally understand the condition or why it happens, but they know that when a person with POTS stands upright, more blood collects in their lower body, causing the heart to beat faster to pump blood up to the brain.

Some people with POTS describe it as having sudden fatigue attacks, while others say it’s like having waves of sudden extreme fatigue and nausea or extreme fatigue “out of nowhere.” It can present differently depending on the person, but other symptoms might include:

  • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy when standing, or fainting
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle cramps or muscle pain
  • Headaches
  • Feeling shaky
  • Sweating a lot

POTS tends to run in families, and there’s a link between POTS and having highly mobile joints , per Johns Hopkins Medicine. If you think you have it, see your doctor, who can run a test and make a diagnosis.

Read Also: What Causes Chronic Nausea And Fatigue

What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Scientists have been researching chronic fatigue syndrome for many years, but they still dont know for sure what causes it.

Many doctors believe that the way some conditions interact within the body and mind might leave some people at risk for CFS. For example, if someone has a and is under a lot of stress, the combination of these two things might make them more likely to develop CFS.

These things are believed to interact with each other in this way, putting some people at risk for CFS:

  • infections. Experts have wondered if infections like measles or Epstein-Barr virus might increase the risk for CFS. The role Epstein-Barr plays in CFS is not clear because studies have not confirmed it as a cause.
  • problems with the immune system or the nervous system
  • hormone imbalances

Dont Miss: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Or Fibromyalgia

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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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.

Probable Causes Of Extreme Fatigue And How To Deal With It

7 common extreme fatigue causes

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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What Is The Treatment For Fatigue

The treatment for fatigue depends upon the cause. Some treatments for conditions that cause fatigue include medications, antibiotics, vitamins, and exercise. Medical treatment of fatigue depends on the treatment of its underlying cause. Fortunately, many causes of fatigue may be treated with medications, for example, iron supplements for anemia, medications and machines to help sleep apnea, medications to control blood sugar, medications to regulate thyroid function, antibiotics to treat infection, vitamins, and/or recommendations for dietary changes and a sensible exercise program. Again, treatment of the underlying cause is the key to treatment of the symptom of fatigue.

Tips For Dealing With Fatigue Caused By Thyroid Problems

1. Take your thyroid medications

If you have hypothyroidism, you may be prescribed levothyroxine . If you have hyperthyroidism, you may be prescribed antithyroid drugs.

It is important to take your medications as prescribed, at the same time every day. If you feel extreme fatigue despite taking thyroid medications, let your doctor know. Remember that it may take some time before the medications are effective.

2. Eat healthy

When you are suffering from fatigue due to thyroid problems, it can be tempting to reach for unhealthy foods that are easy to obtain. While sugary foods can make you feel more energy in the short term, they can actually make your fatigue worse.

Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, as these can provide you with sustained energy throughout the day.

3. Limit alcohol and caffeine

Although caffeine can give you a boost of energy, it is temporary and will not address long-term fatigue. What is worse is if you drink alcohol later in the day to wind down. Both habits can end up draining your energy even more and disrupt your sleep. Limit your caffeine intake to one or drinks early in the day, and limit your alcohol intake to just one drink early in the evening.

4. Exercise regularly

5. Practice a good sleep hygiene

Aim to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Set a regular sleep schedule and try to stick to it. Stay away from electronic devices at least an hour before bed.

6. Quit smoking

7. Visit your doctor

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Prevalence And Impact Of Fatigue In Neurologic Illnesses

Community and primary care studies estimate 5%45% of the population report fatigue as a debilitating symptom and 2%11% report fatigue lasting at least 6 months.15 These rates increase with age in some but not all studies.6 Fatigue is also common in many chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, inflammatory arthritis, and osteoarthritis.710 It is thus critical for fatigue studies in neurologic populations to have an appropriate control group and assess for comorbid illnesses associated with fatigue, particularly when attempting to attribute fatigue to an underlying neurologic process.

Can Thyroid Problems Cause Extreme Fatigue 7 Tips

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  • Can Thyroid Problems Cause Extreme Fatigue? 7 Tips Center
  • Extreme fatigue is a very common symptom of thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. When your thyroid is out of balance and produces too much or too little hormones, it can disrupt functions in your body and make you feel tired.

    If you are constantly feeling tired even after 8 hours of sleep, experiencing anxiety before falling asleep, or suffer from excessive drowsiness during the day, you may have a thyroid problem. Talk to your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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    Do I Need To See A Doctor

    If you can figure out the reason for feeling tired yourself, and do something about it, then no. If the tiredness is getting in the way of your life, or making you feel unhappy, or you feel unwell, then yes, you should visit your doctor.

    You should definitely see a doctor if you feel tired and have lost weight without trying to. Also see a doctor if you have other symptoms as well as being tired, such as coughing up blood, a change in the way your guts are working, heavy periods or a lump somewhere it shouldn’t be.

    When Should I Call My Doctor About Fatigue

    Itâs normal to feel tired now and then. Everyone experiences occasional, brief fatigue due to illness, sleep disturbances, travel or changes in diet or medication. But you should talk to your healthcare provider if youâre tired all the time. Call your provider if:

    • Your fatigue lasts longer than a few days
    • Youâre having a hard time going to work or performing daily activities.
    • There isnât a clear reason for your fatigue.
    • It comes on suddenly.
    • Youâre older .
    • Youâve also been losing weight.

    Fatigue can be a sign of a serious health condition. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have fatigue along with other symptoms, such as:

    • Shortness of breath or pain in your chest, arm or upper back.
    • Fast, pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat.
    • Headache or vision problems .
    • Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain.
    • Muscle weakness.

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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.

    What Should I Know About Fatigue

    Scientists Discover Robust Evidence That Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Is a Biological Illness

    What is the Definition of Fatigue?

    Fatigue is generally defined as a feeling of lack of energy and motivation that can be physical, mental or both. Fatigue is not the same as drowsiness, but the desire to sleep may accompany fatigue. Apathy is a feeling of indifference that may accompany fatigue or exist independently. In addition, individuals often describe fatigue using a variety of terms including weary, tired, exhausted, malaise, listless, lack of energy and feeling run down.

    How Common is Fatigue?

    Fatigue is common. About 20% of Americans claim to have fatigue intense enough to interfere with living a normal life. A physical cause has been estimated to be responsible 20% to 60% of the time, while emotional or mental causes comprise the other 40% to 80% of cases of fatigue. Unfortunately, fatigue can occur in normal individuals that experience intense physical or mental activity .

    However, in contrast to fatigue that occurs with some diseases and syndromes, normal fatigue in healthy individuals is quickly relieved in a few hours to about a day when the physical or mental activity is reduced. Also, people occasionally experience fatigue after eating , which can be a normal response to food, especially after large meals and this may last about 30 minutes to several hours.

    1. Have severe chronic fatigue for at least six months or longer with other known medical conditions excluded by clinical diagnosis and

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    Heart Attack Or Stroke

    While you may be on the lookout for chest pain to signal problems with your heart, you should also add sudden-onset fatigue to the list, per the American Heart Association. .

    In addition, the AHA points out that fatigue or confusion can be one of the initial symptoms of a stroke. Other signs might include a severe headache, arm weakness and difficulty with walking or talking.

    Warning

    If you have sudden exhaustion along with any other symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately. In either case, your likelihood of recovery is better the sooner you get treatment.

    What Else Should I Know

    • Strong emotions can be a part of the illness, so it’s important to recognize and express your feelings. Feelings like sadness, anger, and frustration are completely normal and it’s important to acknowledge how you feel and recognize that it’s not your fault. Recognizing emotions can help you figure out what’s behind your feelings and help you manage problems.
    • It can help to keep a daily diary of feelings and energy highs and lows. This also can let you share information that might help your doctor. You can also track trends for example, if your energy is high at one time of day and low at another that will help you figure out when to exercise or do other activities.
    • Give yourself more time to do things, especially activities that take concentration or physical exertion.
    • Get support from family, teachers, and friends.
    • Get information about CFS from reliable sources. There’s a lot of misinformation and confusion about this disease. So it’s important to know and trust your sources.

    Most important, don’t give up. Having chronic fatigue syndrome can be hard. But for most people, the symptoms are most severe in the beginning. Later, they may come and go. Teens with CFS generally get better faster and recover more completely than adults do. Most teens get partial or full recovery within 5 years after symptoms began.

    Also Check: Fatigue And Sore Muscles And Joints

    Getting Started With A Mental Health Professional

    Finding the right mental health professional and the right approach to therapy is as important as finding the right medical doctor. Whether you are planning to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist or another type of mental health professional, you should start with a phone call to the professional. Ask about the professionalââ¬â¢s approach to dealing with mental issues and how they generally workà with clients. Ask about whether or not they acceptà insurance and how payments are handled. You might describe your reason for wanting to make an appointment and ask if they are experienced in dealing with such issues. If you are comfortable talking with them, the next step is to make an appointment.

    At your first office visit, the mental health professional will want to talk with you about why you think you need to come to therapy. They will want to know about what your symptoms are, how long you’ve had them and what, if anything, you’ve done about them in the past. They will probably ask you about your family and your work as well as what you do to relax. This initial conversation is important in developing the appropriate approach to treatment. Before you leave the office, the mental health professional should describe to you the plan for treatment and give you an opportunity to ask any questions you might have.

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