Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Why Do I Have Extreme Fatigue

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Eating And Drinking Habits

Some coronavirus patients have extreme fatigue well beyond the anticipated recovery period | 7.30

Diet can affect how tired or energetic a person feels. Maintaining a moderate and well-balanced diet can lead to better health and better sleep.

Here are some tips to try:

  • Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.
  • Eat snacks that are low in sugar.
  • Avoid highly processed food and follow a healthful diet.
  • Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid consuming caffeine in the afternoon and evening.

There are many foods that help beat fatigue.

What Is The Treatment For Tiredness

There is no specific treatment for tiredness. The days of doctors prescribing a “tonic” are over, as there is nothing which really works. The secret is to try to narrow down the cause and then do something about that.

If the cause is a medical condition then often treatment of the condition will resolve the tiredness. For example, if you have anaemia then iron supplements can treat this and the tiredness resolves as your blood count improves. It is thought that even supplementing low-range-of-normal iron levels helps with tiredness. If you are found to have an underactive thyroid gland then a pill which replaces the thyroid hormone you are missing is usually very effective and you will find you have more energy.

If you are found to have chronic fatigue syndrome, you may be referred to a specialist in this illness for help through psychological therapy, graded exercise therapy, or medication.

If you have anxiety or depression, this can be helped by talking therapy , cognitive behavioural therapy , medication or various other possible treatments.

It may seem bizarre, but physical exercise can actually be remarkably effective for treating tiredness. Any moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming or cycling, can help you feel less tired. Regular exercise is also an excellent way to stay healthy.

How Can I Feel Less Tired

Some changes to your lifestyle can make you feel less tired. Here are some suggestions:

  • Keep a fatigue diary to help you find patterns throughout the day when you feel more or less tired.
  • Exercise regularly. Almost anyone, at any age, can do some type of physical activity. If you have concerns about starting an exercise program, ask your doctor if there are any activities you should avoid. Moderate exercise may improve your appetite, energy, and outlook. Some people find that exercises combining balance and breathing improve their energy.
  • Try to avoid long naps late in the day. Long naps can leave you feeling groggy and may make it harder to fall asleep at night. Read A Good Nights Sleep for tips on getting better rest at night.
  • Stop smoking.Smoking is linked to many diseases and disorders, such as cancer, heart disease, and breathing problems, which can drain your energy.
  • Ask for help if you feel swamped. Some people have so much to do that just thinking about their schedules can make them feel tired. Working with others may help a job go faster and be more fun.

Read Also: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group

B12 Deficiency Or Insufficiency

Getting enough vitamin B12 is crucial for brain health, your immune system, and your metabolism. As we age, though, our ability to absorb B12 declines. Fatigue is one of the first signs of B12 deficiency, Lisa Cimperman, R.D.previously told Prevention. Certain diabetes and heartburn medications and digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohns disease hinder your bodys ability to absorb B12. And if you follow a plant-based diet, you also have an increased risk, because B12 occurs naturally only in meat, eggs, shellfish, and dairy.

The symptoms: In addition to fatigue, you may be low on B12 if youre experiencing bouts of tingling in hands and feet, memory lapses, dizziness, anxiety, and vision problems.

The tests: If your doctor expects youre low on B12, youll undergo a simple blood test.

The treatments:Depending on your blood test results, your doctor may suggest working more dietary sources of B12 into your eating plan or taking a vitamin B12 supplement.

When Should I See My Gp

Chronic fatigue syndrome: Symptoms, treatment, and causes

There are many potential causes of fatigue. Even before the pandemic, fatigue was one of the most common reasons to see a GP.

Most serious causes can be ruled out when your GP asks about your symptoms and examines you. Sometimes your GP will investigate further, perhaps by ordering blood tests.

Symptoms that should raise particular concern include fevers, unexplained weight loss, unusual bleeding or bruising, pain that wakes you from sleep, or drenching night sweats.

If your fatigue is getting worse rather than better, or you cannot care for yourself properly, you really should seek medical care.

Also Check: What Doctor Treats Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Can High Blood Pressure Cause You To Feel More Tired

In a word, ‘yes.’ High blood pressure can play a role in tiredness. But, why? Well, high blood pressure increases pressure on vital organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys, which causes tiredness.

Often, unexplained tiredness that doesnt appear to have a cause can be a result of high blood pressure.

You’re Pushing Too Hard

Pushing beyond your capabilities during your workout can leave you feeling completely gassed and add days to your recovery time.

In extreme cases, it can also cause a concerning amount of damage to your muscles, resulting in a rare but dangerous condition called rhabdomyolysis, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

This can happen when intense exercise causes muscle tissue breakdown beyond what the body can handle. However, the condition isn’t all that common among most regular exercisers, but does occur in more advanced athletes like marathoners, bodybuilders and CrossFitters.

According to MedlinePlus, a substance called myoglobin is released into your bloodstream when muscles break down. The kidneys then filter it from the blood. If there’s too much, though, it can overwhelm and damage kidney cells.

If you feel weak and nauseous after your workout or have dark-colored urine, you might have rhabdomyolysis. Other symptoms include joint pain, muscle weakness and fatigue.

Warning

Rhabdomyolysis is diagnosed with urine and/or blood tests that look for certain chemicals. Treatment includes being put on fluids to flush the liver and, if it’s really extreme or left undiagnosed for too long, you may also need to be treated for kidney failure. So it’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you think you may have it.

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Can You Get Sick From Exhaustion

If your exhaustion has continued for over four months, then you may be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, per the NHS.

According to the NHS, CFS is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms including extreme tiredness. Sometimes it’s referred to as ME, which stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis, however, the syndrome is the same. There is no specific test for it, so a diagnosis is based on the symptoms you’ve got, and by crossing other potential issues off the list.

CFS/ME can affect anyone, including children but it’s more common in women aged between mid-20s and mid-40s.

The common symptoms include sleep problems muscle or joint pain, headaches, feeling dizzy or sick and fast or irregular heartbeats but there are many more, which can often be exaggerated by exercise.

‘Chronic fatigue syndrome occurs when energy delivery mechanisms in the body are down, or energy is being used by the immune system to, say, fight a chronic infection, is the belief of Dr Sarah Myhill, author of Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalitis. Which means? ‘There is no energy left to live.’

‘The symptom of stress occur when the brain knows it does not have the energy to deal with the demands of life,’ Dr Myhill continues. ‘If we mask that symptom with a prop such as sugar, alcohol or caffeine then we ‘sail close to the wind’ and a minor viral infection could be all it takes to flip the body into a CFS state.’

Eliminate Sugar And Processed Or Packaged Foods

Muscle Fatigue: Why do muscles get tired and weak after exercise?

Eat a candy bar and your energy will usually plummet soon after. Sugar and other refined carbohydrates give you a little shot of energy, but at a huge expense: Those blood sugar spikes nosedive quickly, leaving you feeling drained. If eliminating sugar completely is too challenging, gradually trade it for lower-sugar foods, like berries, to transition off sugar. Eat nuts instead of chips or cookies.

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Problems With Your Thyroid

It’s a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits in your neck. It makes a hormone that helps control how you use energy. When your thyroid gland is out of whack, you’re out of whack.

“People with an underactive thyroid are going to feel tired,” Friedman says. “Their cells aren’t working well, they’re sluggish, and their reflexes are slow.”

Your doctor may test your blood for thyroid hormone to see if it’s to blame for your fatigue.

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
  • Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Untreated pain and diseases like fibromyalgia
  • Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders

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

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Physical Causes Of Tiredness

There are several health conditions that can make you feel tired or exhausted.

These include:

Tiredness can also be the result of:

  • pregnancy particularly in the first 12 weeks
  • being overweight or obese your body has to work harder to do everyday activities
  • being underweight poor muscle strength can make you tire more easily
  • cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy
  • carbon monoxide poisoning especially if your gas boiler has not been serviced regularly
  • side effects of medicines and some herbal remedies

If you have been feeling constantly tired for more than 4 weeks, it’s a good idea to see your GP so they can confirm or rule out a medical condition that could be causing your tiredness.

Extreme Fatigue After Exercise Heres What Your Bodys Trying To Tell You

How to Fight Pregnancy Fatigue

Don’t sweat it: Mild fatigue after exercise â on top of being sweaty, a bit sore and tuckered out â is A-OK, especially if you’re new to exercise. There’s a limit, though. If you feel extreme fatigue after a workout, it could be a sign of a health problem â or that you definitely overdid it.

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So, where’s the line? “It is normal to feel a bit winded, slightly tired or even mildly sore after, depending on the nature of the workout, but these symptoms shouldn’t feel overwhelming or unmanageable,” Tim Bish, CPT, lead coach at Row House Chelsea in New York City, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

In general, “normal” fatigue should last a few hours or overnight. But a good night’s sleep should allow your body and brain to bounce back, Bish says. Drinking water, eating, stretching and/or taking a hot shower or bath should also help, he says. Some tightness in the muscles for one to three days, known as DOMS , is also normal, according to the International Sports Science Association .

On the other hand, extreme fatigue tends to linger. “Excessive fatigue will often not respond to these tactics and should be monitored carefully,” Bish says. If you feel like you’re not recovering well, or you’re more tired than you should be post-workout, here’s what might be going on â plus, how to prevent extreme fatigue after exercise in the future.

Signs of Extreme Fatigue After a Workout

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Allergies Hay Fever And Fatigue

Symptoms: Fatigue, headache, itchiness, nasal congestion, and drainage

Allergic rhinitis is a common cause of chronic fatigue. But allergic rhinitis often can be easily treated and self-managed. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will assess your symptoms. The doctor will also find out, through a detailed history or testing, whether your allergies are triggered by pollens, insects , animal dander, molds and mildew, weather changes, or something else.

One way to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis — including fatigue — is to take steps to avoid the offending allergen. In addition, proper medication can help with symptoms. Drugs that might help include:

  • Leukotriene modifiers
  • Mast cell stabilizers

Allergy shotsimmunotherapy — may help in severe cases. This treatment involves weekly shots of increasingly higher solutions of the offending allergens. Allergy shots take time to be effective and are usually administered over a period of 3 to 5 years.

What Happens To Your Body During Exhaustion

‘Its not like normal tiredness. Its like youre trying to move through thick mud, and think through thick fog. All you want to do is lie down and sleep and then sleep some more, after that. You cant function because everything leaves you wiped out.’

So, potentially all you multi-tasking, high achieving, Type A women could be at risk. ‘Were seeing an increasing number of women with symptoms of exhaustion,’ says Dr Sarah Brewer, GP and Healthspan medical director.

‘Perhaps because they are more likely to juggle different aspects of life and have less time to prioritise their own health.’

What are the common symptoms of exhaustion?

  • You cant think straight or at all
  • You are more than stressed out
  • Your usual healthy go-to’s have been replaced by chocolate bars, crisps and coke
  • You find yourself counting sheep one too many nights in a row
  • Your lips are constantly cracked and dry
  • You cant bear the thought of the gym and when you do manage to drag yourself there, your PBs have significantly dropped
  • Your mood is tumultuous to say the least
  • You feel short of breath even when youre doing nothing at all
  • You seem to permanently have the office cold
  • Your sofa is fast becoming your new BFF
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    Fatigue Is Not Being Lazy

    You wouldnt call someone recovering from a heart attack or undergoing cancer treatment lazy. Yet chronic fatigue which is due to underlying medical reasons has this way of making those it impacts appear lazy.

    Fatigue robs us of our ability to think clearly and of our motivation. We are not being lazy when we cant get out of bed, go to work, run errands, or play with our children. We are physically and mentally unable to.

    You would never call someone dealing with a debilitating illness lazy if you knew what they were going through on an everyday basis. Some of our most severe symptoms are invisible, which is part of the problem.

    What Helps Me Manage My Fatigue

    Why Am I So Tired? Understanding Extreme Fatigue

    Expect you or a loved one may develop post-COVID fatigue, regardless of how unwell you or they were during the actual infection.

    Vaccines help reduce the risk of post-COVID fatigue by lowering the chance of catching COVID in the first place. Vaccinated people who do catch COVID are less likely to report fatigue and are less likely to develop long COVID.

    However, vaccination is not 100% protective and there are plenty of fully vaccinated people who go on to develop longer term fatigue.

    The evidence for what helps you recover from post-COVID fatigue is in its infancy. However, a few things do help:

    1. pace yourself: adjust the return to normal activities to your energy levels. Choose your priorities and focus on what you can do rather than what you cant

    2. return to exercise gradually: a gradual return to exercise may help your recovery, but you may need some support about how to manage or avoid fatigue afterwards. Some therapists occupational therapists, physiotherapists and exercise physiologists specialise in this. So ask your GP for a recommendation

    3. prioritise sleep: rather than feeling guilty about sleeping so much, remind yourself that while you sleep, your body conserves energy and heals. Disrupted sleep patterns are an unfortunate COVID symptom. Having a strict bedtime, while also resting when you feel tired during the day, is important

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    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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