Fatigue, lack of energy and motivation: What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Fatigue; Tiredness; Weariness; Exhaustion; Lethargy

What is fatigue?

Fatigue is a strong feeling of tiredness and lack of energy.. It may be caused by physical, mental or emotional stress and can have a significant impact on your daily life. Fatigue can affect your concentration, motivation and ability to perform daily tasks. It can also lead to depression, anxiety and increased health risks.

Fatigue is different from sleepiness . Drowsiness is the feeling of needing to sleep.. Fatigue is a lack of energy and motivation. Drowsiness and apathy (feeling of indifference to what is happening) may be symptoms, accompanying fatigue.

Fatigue can be a normal and important response to physical activity., emotional stress, boredom or lack of sleep. Fatigue is a common symptom and is not usually associated with a serious medical condition.. But it could be a sign of a more serious mental or physical condition.. If fatigue is not relieved by sufficient sleep, good nutrition or a low-stress environment, your doctor should evaluate her condition.

Causes of Fatigue

Fatigue is a symptom of many different conditions., therefore it is important to understand the potential causes of your fatigue, before seeking treatment.

There are many possible causes of fatigue, including:

• Anemia (including iron deficiency anemia )
• depression or grief
• Iron deficiency (without anemia)
• Medicines, such as sedatives or antidepressants
• Constant pain
• Sleep disorders, such as insomnia , obstructive sleep apnea or narcolepsy
• An underactive thyroid gland
• Alcohol or drug use, such as cocaine

Fatigue can also occur with the following conditions:

• Addison's disease (disorder, which occurs, when the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones)
• Anorexia or other eating disorders
• Arthritis, mostly adult or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus
• Cancer
• COVID-19
• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia
• Heart failure
• Infection, especially that, from which it takes a long time for recovery or treatment, eg, bacterial endocarditis (infection of the heart muscle or valves), parasitic infections, hepatitis, HIV AIDS , tuberculosis and mononucleosis
• Kidney disease
• liver disease
• Malnutrition

Some medicines may also cause drowsiness or fatigue., including antihistamines for allergies, blood pressure medication, hypnotics, steroids and diuretics (diuretics).

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (SHU) is a state, in which symptoms of fatigue persist for at least 6 months and do not pass alone. Fatigue may be exacerbated by physical activity or mental exertion. Diagnosis is based on the presence of a specific group of symptoms and after all other possible causes of fatigue have been ruled out..

fatigue symptoms

The main symptom of fatigue is a strong feeling of tiredness., but it can also be accompanied by a range of physical, mental and emotional symptoms. Common symptoms of fatigue include:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Lack of motivation
• Decreased concentration
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping.
• Soreness, pain or stiffness in the muscles.
• Slow reflexes or reactions

When to see a doctor

It is important to see a doctor, if you experience prolonged fatigue or if you have other symptoms, which may be causing you fatigue. These symptoms may include extreme fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats or changes in your mental state. If your fatigue is accompanied by any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

When you visit your doctor, he will ask you questions about your tiredness, to better understand the potential cause and recommend appropriate treatment. These questions may include:

• When you got tired?
• How long have you been feeling tired?
• How have your lifestyle habits changed since then?, how did you feel tired?
• Is there any action, that improve or worsen your fatigue?
• Do you have other symptoms, associated with fatigue?

Fatigue diagnostics

Your doctor will conduct a complete medical examination, focusing on your heart, lymph nodes, thyroid, abdominal cavity and nervous system. You will be asked about your medical history, fatigue symptoms, lifestyle, habits and feelings.

Tests, which can be ordered, include:

• Blood tests to check for anemia, diabetes, inflammatory diseases and possible infection
• Kidney Function Tests
• Liver function tests
• Thyroid Function Tests
• Analysis of urine
• Psychological tests, to rule out depression and other mental disorders.

Treatment

Treatment for fatigue will depend on the underlying cause.. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, e.g. increase physical activity, sleep more or reduce stress. He can also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, to deal with fatigue.

home treatment

In addition to medical treatment, there are several self-care measures, you can take, to deal with your fatigue. These measures include:

• Adequate sleep
• Healthy balanced diet
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption.
• Regular exercise
• Using relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation.
• Talk to a counselor or therapist, to manage stress and improve mental health

Fatigue Prevention

The best way to prevent fatigue is to lead a healthy lifestyle.. This includes getting enough sleep every night., a balanced diet, stress management and regular exercise. If you feel tired or tired, be sure to rest and relax.

It is also important to be aware of any underlying medical conditions., which can cause fatigue, such as anemia or thyroid disease. Regular check-ups with your doctor can help you identify any medical problems., that can make you tired, and appropriate treatment.

Used sources and literature

Claw DJ. Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myofascial pain. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 258.

Lindemann JC. Fatigue. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, eds. Conn’s Current Therapy 2021. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier 2021:14-15.

Seller RH, Symons AB. Fatigue. In: Seller RH, Symons AB, eds. Differential Diagnosis of Common Complaints. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 14.