HEALTH TOPICS

HEALTH SHOP

MOL.net

PRESS ROOM

Home > Health Topics > Topics beginning with M > Malaise > Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Medical References

Diseases & Conditions

Women's Health

Mental Health

Men's Health

Healthy Choice News

Site Map Links

Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Malaise

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Malaise is a general feeling of physical discomfort or uneasiness.

What is going on in the body?

Malaise is often the first sign of an infection or other disease. Many people can "feel" an infection or disease starting because they develop the feeling of malaise. The causes of malaise can range from working out or studying too hard to cancer.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Almost any sudden illness and many chronic illnesses can cause malaise. The more common causes include:

stress

lack of sleep or sleep disorders

infections, such as acute bronchitis, a common cold, the flu, or infectious mononucleosis

a low blood count, called anemia

hormone imbalances, such as a low thyroid hormone level, called hypothyroidism. Another example is low adrenal hormone levels, called hypoadrenalism.

depression or other psychological disorders

autoimmune disorders, which are conditions in which a person's immune system attacks his or her own body for no apparent reason. Examples of autoimmune diseases include systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

toxin or chemical exposure, such as carbon monoxide or lead poisoning

allergies

medications, such as antihistamines, cancer chemotherapy, or certain medications used to treat depression and high blood pressure. Examples include atenolol, paroxetine, and diphenhydramine.

systemic disorders, such as heart, liver, lung, or kidney disorders

uncontrolled diabetes

tumors or cancer, such as lung cancer or a blood cancer called leukemia

salt imbalances, such as a low sodium level or a high potassium level

chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, two poorly understood conditions with no known cause. These conditions commonly cause malaise and make people feel weak and tired.

Other causes of malaise are also possible. Sometimes, the cause is unknown.

Home • Sitemap • Contact Us • Advertising • Press Room • Give Us Your Feedback • Read Our Terms & Conditions and Our Disclaimer • Privacy Statement