There are many diagnoses for which fatigue is a symptom. It helps to know the difference between just being tired and being fatigued. Medical professionals think of being tired as more of a short term issue that can usually be relieved with adequate restorative sleep, good nutrition and a low-stress environment. If you feel fatigued, first ask yourself if you are lacking in any of these three areas. If you aren’t, it may be time to see your doctor.
Fatigue is a very common complaint reported to doctors. It can be a fairly benign issue or due to a serious mental or physical condition. Most of the time there is an identifiable cause that can be traced to one or more of your lifestyle habits. If the fatigue is associated with any other symptom such as chest pain, abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, reduced urination, swelling, weight gain, difficulty breathing, weakness, or thoughts of wanting to harm yourself or others you should see your doctor right away. If fatigue is the only symptom, it should still be evaluated if it lasts more than two weeks.
Your doctor will ask you several questions about your fatigue. Information that is useful in determining the cause of fatigue or what tests might be needed include:
• when the fatigue started
• whether it is worse at any particular time of day or lasts all day
• whether any activity, food or environment makes it better or worse
• presence of any other physical or mental symptoms
Some of the more common conditions seen when fatigue is the presenting complaint are depression, thyroid disease, anemia, use of drugs or alcohol, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, allergies, sleep apnea or infections (mono, hepatitis, etc.). Keep in mind that many medications can cause fatigue. If the fatigue started after the initiation of a new medication, find out if it is a potential side effect and discuss it with your doctor before stopping it. Don’t underestimate depression or grieving as a cause for fatigue. These are both powerful contributors.
Listed below are a few suggestions for reducing or preventing some of the common causes of fatigue:
• get plenty of sleep each night
• maintain a regular work/rest/sleep schedule
• drink plenty of clean water
• eat three nutritious meals a day, avoiding processed foods
• exercise daily/ avoid being sedentary
• avoid sugar (sodas, sweets, too many starches)
• avoid alcohol, nicotine and drug use.
• reduce any stressors that you can
• find healthy ways to relax (meditation, yoga, massage)
In addition, research has shown us that contentment, laughter, and a positive support system all aid in disease prevention, improved sense of well-being and energy.