Fatigue

Fatigue is a condition in which a person becomes weary or exhausted. It is usually caused by overdoing some physical activity. It can also occur after a long period of mental stress. In some cases, it may occur for no clear reason.

What is going on in the body?

Most people have had fatigue at some point. The causes of fatigue range from working out or studying too hard to cancer. Sometimes no cause can be found.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Almost any sudden illness and many long-term illnesses can cause fatigue. The more common causes of fatigue include:

There may be many other causes of fatigue as well. Sometimes a cause cannot be found.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

A healthcare provider may want to know several things when a person complains of fatigue, such as:

The provider may also want to know about any fever, weight loss or pain. Questions about depression, menstrual periods in women and other symptoms may help in figuring out the cause of the fatigue.

How is the condition diagnosed?

The role of the healthcare provider is to figure out the cause of fatigue. This is done by taking a complete history and doing a physical exam. In some cases, further tests may need to be done. This often involves blood tests, such as a CBC or complete blood count, but it may also include other tests based on the suspected condition. For example, a chest x-ray may be done if lung disease is thought to be the cause.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention is related to the cause of the fatigue. For example, avoiding stress and overexertion, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet can prevent many cases of fatigue.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Fatigue can seriously limit a person's ability to work, go to school, and maintain relationships. Severely affected people may need to rest for most of the day. People with chronic fatigue often become frustrated because of the lack of effective treatment for this condition. Other long-term effects depend on the underlying condition.

What are the risks to others?

Fatigue itself is not contagious and poses no risk to others. However, fatigue may sometimes be caused by infections that are contagious.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Specific treatment for fatigue is directed at the cause. For example, a person may need antibiotics to treat an infection or thyroid pills to treat low thyroid levels. Those with depression often need drugs to treat their condition. Those with cancer may need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Regular exercise without overdoing it, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and decreasing stress levels can often help.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects depend on the treatments used. All medications have possible side effects. These include allergic reactions, stomach upset, and headache. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding and infection.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

What happens after treatment depends on the cause of fatigue. If the fatigue goes away, a person may not need further treatment. Those who were "overdoing it" may need no further treatment once they get some rest. Those with diabetes generally need further treatment and monitoring even if their fatigue goes away.

How is the condition monitored?

A person can monitor his or her own energy level and fatigue at home. Any changes in these levels can be reported to the healthcare provider. The underlying cause of fatigue may or may not need further monitoring.

Author:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Smith, Mary Ellen, BS
Edit Date:07/02/00
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:07/27/01

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