Fatigue

Definition:
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.

Alternative Names:
Tiredness; Weariness; Exhaustion; Lethargy

Considerations:

Fatigue is different from drowsiness -- drowsiness tends to be simply the feeling of a need for sleep while fatigue involves a lack of energy and motivation as well. Drowsiness and apathy (a feeling of indifference or not caring about what happens) can be symptoms of fatigue.

The pattern of fatigue may help define its underlying cause. Individuals who wake up in the morning rested but rapidly develop fatigue with activity may have an ongoing condition. Individuals who awaken with low energy and have fatigue that persists throughout the day may be suffering from depression. However, these are not absolutes. Chronic fatigue should be evaluated by your health care provider.

Fatigue can be a normal and important response to physical exertion, emotional stress, or lack of sleep. However, it can also be a nonspecific sign of a medically serious psychological or physical disorder. Fatigue that is not relieved by enough sleep, good nutrition, or a low-stress environment should be medically evaluated. Because fatigue is a common complaint, a potentially serious cause can be overlooked.

Common Causes:

Home Care:

There are no direct cures for the most common fatigue problems. Ways to help reduce fatigue include the following:

  • Getting more sleep
  • Learning better ways to cope with stress
  • Changing jobs or learning new ways of dealing with career challenges
  • Taking a vacation
  • Dealing with relationship problems

Chronic fatigue can often be reduced by alleviating chronic pain. Treatment for depression also often helps with this problem, although some antidepressant medications may cause or worsen fatigue. Medication may have to be adjusted to avoid this problem.

A balanced diet, a program for regular exercise (within prescribed limits), and adequate rest are recommended.

Set priorities, maintain a reasonable schedule, and develop good sleep habits.

Taking stimulants does not work and can actually make the problem worse when the drugs are discontinued. Tranquilizers generally intensify fatigue. Vitamins may not solve the problem, but if taken in moderation they may be helpful.

Call your health care provider if:

Contact your health care provider if you have prolonged, unexplained weakness or fatigue, particularly if accompanied by fever or unintentional weight loss

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination. The examiner may inquire into lifestyle and feelings.

Medical history questions documenting fatigue may include the following:

  • Time pattern
    • Has fatigue only been developing recently?
    • Has it been lasting for weeks to months?
    • Does fatigue occur in regular cycles?
  • Sleep pattern
    • How much do you sleep?
    • What hours do you sleep?
    • Do you awake feeling rested or fatigued?
  • Quality
    • Does the level of fatigue remain constant throughout the day?
    • Does fatigue get worse as the day goes on?
  • Emotional state
    • Are you bored?
    • Do you have unhappiness or disappointment in your life?
    • How are your relationships?
  • Other
    • Have you had unusual activity lately?
    • What is your diet like?
    • Do you get regular exercise?
    • What other symptoms are present? Pain? Nausea?
    • What medications are you taking?
Physical examination will include special attention to the heart, lungs, and thyroid gland.

If your fatigue is not caused by a physical disorder, you may be referred for psychological counseling or psychiatric evaluation for depression or other disorders that can lead to this symptom.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:


Review Date: 11/18/2002
Reviewed By: Bridget Martell, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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