Fatigue is an overall lack of energy or feeling of tiredness. Most people feel fatigued at some point in their lives due to overexertion, lack of sleep, or stress. When fatigue persists over days or weeks, doctors can make a diagnosis. A doctor may make a diagnosis of fatigue if the patient feels more tired than usual and is unable to keep up with normal daily activities. Sometimes a diagnosis of fatigue is not a major concern, and the feeling of tiredness can be treated with simple lifestyle changes.
Fatigue is not actually a medical condition in itself, but is usually a symptom of another medical problem and is a healthy response. It serves as a signal that the body or mind is overworked. Patients can guard against fatigue by getting at least eight hours of sleep per night, eating a balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water. Performing light exercise can also help to restore energy.
A diagnosis of fatigue may also be made on account of a patient's stress or a minor illness such as the common cold. This type of fatigue will usually get better once the source of stress is removed or the illness clears up. Fatigue is also a side effect of some medications. The patient should regain normal energy once the course of medication is complete.
If the feeling of fatigue lasts for longer than two weeks and does not get better with sleep and exercise, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. Fatigue is a common symptom of many physical problems. In this case, fatigue usually occurs in conjunction with other symptoms, such as breathing difficulties or sudden, unexplained weight changes. Some common causes of long-lasting fatigue include anemia, diabetes, and kidney or liver disease. Doctors can perform tests to detect any of these conditions.
Another common cause of fatigue is depression. People who are depressed often sleep a lot and feel too tired to complete common tasks. Patients who feel hopeless, anxious, or overwhelmed should talk to their doctor about depression.
In rare cases, fatigue may be a sign of a condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This condition is marked by severe and persistent but otherwise unexplained fatigue. As there are no known tests to diagnose CFS, doctors will only make a diagnosis of fatigue resulting from CFS after all other possible causes have been explored. CFS often occurs along with fibromyalgia.