8 Medical Conditions That Can Cause Unreasoned Fatigue
Do you feel tired all the time for no obvious reason? Though in most cases fatigue could be nothing beyond normal sleep deprivation; in some cases, it may be a sign of some serious health concern that would require immediate medical attention. Here is a list of a few health problems that could be the culprit behind your chronic exhaustion.
Recognize 8 Medical Conditions That Can Cause Fatigue
There are varied reasons for fatigue, however, the cause of persistent fatigue can be some chronic medical conditions such as:
#1 Hypothyroidism
Constant exhaustion and fatigue are common symptoms of hypothyroidism. Thyroid glands can play tricks with hormones as they control several body functions. Hypothyroidism occurs when there is not enough thyroid hormone in the body. Alongside fatigue, this disorder causes several other subtle and non-specific symptoms that are often ignored, such as hair loss, memory loss, and constipation. A blood test can confirm hypothyroidism and it can be effectively managed with synthetic thyroid hormone treatment.
#2 Anemia
If you are always exhausted and your fatigue causes trouble completing your normal daily chores, maybe it’s time to visit your doctor. The prolonged feeling of exhaustion signals anemia, caused by the body's deficiency of hemoglobin (Hb). Anemia can be easily diagnosed with a simple blood test performed by a doctor.
#3 Depression
It won’t be wrong to say that depression and fatigue are closely related. In fact, people suffering from depression often face sleep problems and they feel tired all the time. However, some other symptoms of depression include headaches, poor appetite, muscle aches, and body pain. You should see your doctor if you notice any/ all of the symptoms, and bring an end to your miseries.
#4 Sleep apnea
If you are suffering from sleep apnea, you are bound to feel fatigued. This happens because sleep apnea causes momentarily interruptions in breathing during sleep. Due to these interruptions, the brain and body get deprived of oxygen and you may snore loudly without knowing it. Sleep apnea is a sleep-related disorder that can be diagnosed by a sleep medicine doctor.
#5 Diabetes
Chronic fatigue is a pretty common symptom of a health problem - Diabetes. High blood sugar or low blood sugar levels can cause extreme tiredness or fatigue. So if your morning feels drugged and your afternoon is groggy, you should make an appointment with a doctor and get tested for diabetes. Not only will it fix your fatigue, but it will also diagnose other serious complications on time.
#6 Congestive Heart Failure
If you ever experience unrelenting fatigue that doesn’t go away with resting, it’s alarming! Fatigue is a subjective symptom with umpteen causes, but you must be wary if it doesn’t require physical effort or lack of sleep. Such obscure fatigue may indicate reduced pumping ability of your heart. If there is a prolonged feeling of fatigue accompanied by weakness and shortness of breath, you should see your doctor to rule out congestive heart failure!
#7 Fibromyalgia
Various symptoms are common including chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. In fact, a good percentage of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia suffer from similar symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. However, if you come across distinct pain or tenderness locations on your body it could be fibromyalgia. A careful diagnosis by an expert can be the first step towards treating fibromyalgia, as the symptoms are quite subjective.
#8 Low Blood Pressure
While low blood pressure doesn’t cause many complications, it may turn life-threatening if the symptoms are extreme. Minor fatigue and lack of concentration could drop blood pressure suddenly, but it can be cured with adequate rest and a proper diet. In case of severe dizziness, or weak and rapid pulse, you should seek medical help. Your doctor will be able to monitor your pulse and suggest medications accordingly.
#9 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
One of the most common and debilitating symptoms of RA is fatigue. Several permanently inflamed joints can lead to weakness, drowsiness, and exhaustion. This feeling of lingering tiredness gets worse in some people with this disease. Other autoimmune disorders like lupus and Sjogren's disease may also cause fatigue. Consult a doctor if you are dealing with persistent fatigue.
Conclusion
A lingering tiredness that is constant and limiting with unexplained, persistent, and relapsing exhaustion like how you feel when you have the flu or have missed your sleep is fatigue. If you're dealing with such tendencies daily, it is chronic fatigue or systematic exertion intolerance disease which can occur due to some serious underlying conditions like a few mentioned above. Do not ignore prolonged fatigue, reach out to a specialist for medical intervention. Remember, early detection is the key to the best protection and l treatment of many chronic ailments. So visit your doctor to find the underlying cause of your fatigue.
If you have any questions about fatigue and related health concerns, consult an Internal Medicine Specialist at Ask a Doctor 24x7.
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Disclaimer: Information provided on this page is not intended to substitute for proper medical advice provided by your healthcare professional. This is only for informational purposes.
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