Fatigue

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With fatigue, a person is tired, weary, and lacks energy. Often, fatigue is a symptom of another health problem.

Signs & Symptoms

Diabetes

•  Feeling drained of energy.

•  Feeling exhausted.

•  Having a very hard time doing normal activities.

•  Having low motivation.

•  Feeling inadequate.

•  Having little desire for sex.

Causes

Causes that need medical care include anemia, depression, heart disease, low thyroid, lupus (the systemic type), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

 

Other physical causes include: Lack of sleep; poor diet; side effects of medicines; allergies; drug or alcohol problems; being in hot, humid conditions; and the flu.

 

Possible emotional causes are burnout, boredom, and a major life change, such as divorce or retirement.

Treatment

Resources

Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia

www.treatcfsfm.org

Treatment depends on the cause. Tell your doctor about any other symptoms that occur with the fatigue. He or she will explore both physical and emotional causes.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

•  If fatigue is due to a medical problem, follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s guidelines for rest, diet, medication, etc.

•  Get regular physical activity. Exercise can give you more energy, especially if you sit all day at work. Exercise can calm you, too.

•  Cool off. Working or playing in hot weather can drag you down. Rest in a cool, dry place as often as you can. Drink plenty of water.

•  Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol.

•  Don’t use illegal drugs.

•  Lighten your work load. Assign tasks to others when you can, both at work and at home. Ask for help when you need it from family and friends. Hire help if you need to.

•  Change your routine. Try to do something new and that you want to do every day.

•  If you do too much, make time for some peace and quiet.

•  Do something for yourself. Plan time to do things that meet only your needs, not just those of others.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

 

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