Fatigue


Everyone feels overworked from time to time, and strain or stress can cause exhaustion in times of both physical and mental overexertion. A weakened state, whether it may be temporary or extended, that causes measurable loss in strength and energy is known as fatigue.

Fatigue may be acute, meaning the symptoms begin and intensify quickly, or it can be chronic, where symptoms will persist and progress over a longer period of time, sometimes for years.

Fatigue Symptoms

Some symptoms of fatigue can include:
  • Yawning

  • Lethargy

  • Irritability

  • Weariness

  • Loss of physical strength

  • Depression.

Neither acute nor chronic fatigue has clear causes or measures, and therefore oftentimes there are no clear treatment options. Fatigue can generally set in after an infection or illness, or a high stress situation, and may not pass for a length of time.

Symptoms like headaches, weakness, muscle and joint pains, and increased sensitivity especially in the lymph nodes may appear and last for several weeks and months. Because of the similarity in symptoms to a normal flu or viral infections, fatigue is hard to diagnose until symptoms persist, in the case of a chronic fatigue diagnosis, for six to eight months.

The symptoms of fatigue also mirror those of other diseases and medical conditions such as anemia, cancer, and diabetes. For this reason, chronic fatigue is an exclusionary diagnosis, meaning a doctor has ruled out any other diseases or ailments that may be causing the symptoms to persist.

Fatigue Treatment

The treatment advised for chronic fatigue often encompasses lifestyle changes in exercise, diet, and even career. An exercise regiment that begins slowly and then steps up in intensity can sometimes alleviate the symptoms of fatigue, while changing diets to exclude different products may also help.

Switching form a high intensity, high stakes career can also alleviate fatigue, but, again, as there are no clear causes for chronic fatigue, there can be no clear solutions or processes in curing it. Preventative measures, such as learning how to manage stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly should be observed overall to maintain good health, but can also be useful in coping with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Fatigue may simply be the result of lack of sleep due to a particularly hectic schedule, poor dietary habits, or alcohol and cigarettes. Try to:
  • Get enough sleep

  • Drink in moderation

  • Don't smoke

  • Prioritize and organize daily activities to reduce stress.

If similar and consistent symptoms like weariness, lethargy, depression, and weakness persist, seek a doctor's advice immediately.

By Barbara Poelle           


Related Links: