Fatigue is a general term for an abnormal condition in which a person feels a sensation of tiredness, weariness, exhaustion, weakness, or low energy. Fatigue is a symptom of a wide variety of mild to serious diseases, disorders and conditions. Fatigue can result from infection, inflammation, trauma, malignancy, chronic diseases, autoimmune diseases, mental illnesses and other abnormal processes.Fatigue can occur in any age group or population, but it is particularly common in the elderly and in people with chronic diseases. Depending on the cause, the sensation of fatigue can be short-term and disappear quickly, such as when it occurs due to exercise or a single night of insomnia. Fatigue can also can be chronic and ongoing over a longer period of time, such as when it is due to depression or heart failure.
Fatigue can be the result of a wide variety of other conditions, diseases or disorders. These include anemia, hypotension, COPD, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome and Addison's disease. Causes also include influenza, dehydration, jet lag, depression, malnutrition, bacterial diseases, hypothyroidism, myasthenia gravis, viral infections, chronic pain, fever and pregnancy.
There are many symptoms that can accompany fatigue, depending on the disease, disorder or condition that is at the root of it. These include fever, weight loss, loss of appetite and dizziness. Fatigue, especially chronic fatigue, can seriously impact the ability to function effectively in everyday life. Underlying diseases, disorders or conditions of fatigue can also cause complications. For more details about symptoms and complications, see symptoms of fatigue.
Diagnosing fatigue and its root cause begins with taking a thorough personal and family medical history, including symptoms, and completing a physical examination, including a neurological examination. This may also include a mental health exam.
Making a diagnosis also includes performing a variety of other tests to help to diagnose the underlying disease, condition or disorder causing the fatigue.
Depending on the suspected cause, tests can include blood tests. A complete blood count (CBC) can help to determine if anemia or an infectious process, such as bacterial infection is present. A chemistry panel is a blood test that can test for dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, which can cause fatigue.
A blood glucose can check for diabetes. An urinanalysis can also help to diagnose dehydration and a variety of urinary tract conditions, which can cause fatigue. Liver function tests can evaluate liver health and a TSH and other thyroid tests can help to determine if hypothyroidism is the cause of fatigue.
Other tests may also be performed depending on the suspected cause. These include imaging tests, such as X-ray, CT scan, nuclear scans and MRI.
A diagnosis of fatigue and its cause can easily be delayed or missed because fatigue may be mild or not last for long periods of time. For information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of fatigue.
Treatment of fatigue involves diagnosing and treating the underlying disease, disorder or condition that is causing it. Some conditions can be easily and successfully treated and cured, while others may require more intensive treatment and may not have an optimal prognosis.
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