McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2

What is fatigue?

Fatigue is a condition of tiredness or weakness that is physical or mental, or both. Chronic fatigue syndrome is recurrent, long-term fatigue that may be combined with other factors.

How does it occur?

Fatigue may be caused by an illness, overexertion, poor physical condition, lack of exercise, inadequate sleep, obesity, inadequate nutrition, and/or emotional or psychological problems. Some medicines can cause fatigue.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include:

• weakness
• tiredness
• indifference
• lack of energy.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will review your symptoms and ask about your daily routine, work habits, and environmental conditions. He or she will give you a physical exam and may want you to have basic blood tests to rule out diseases that may cause fatigue, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, heart disease, lung disease, and anemia.

If you have a history of emotional stress or recurrent anxiety or depression, your doctor may diagnose fatigue caused by psychological disturbances.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. If fatigue is a symptom of another condition or disease, that condition or disease will be the primary focus of treatment. If the cause is emotional or psychological, the doctor may refer you to a therapist for counseling.

How long do the effects last?

The effects will last as long as the cause of the symptoms exists.

How can I take care of myself?

• Get enough rest and sleep.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Lose excess weight if necessary.
• Walk or exercise regularly 3 or 4 times a week, for at least 30 minutes.
• See a counselor if you have emotional problems.
• Learn to express your feelings.
• Learn to use deep breathing techniques, visualization, and meditation to relieve stress.
• Make changes in your daily routine to allow more free time to enjoy things you like to do.
• Meet new people.
• Take up a new hobby or creative project.

How can I prevent fatigue?

• If you are working longer hours or doing more physical work, allow yourself more time to sleep or rest.
• If your work activity has become more strenuous, take breaks during the day to sit and rest.
• Eat more nutritious food when working or exercising more strenuously.
• Allow yourself time to relax and do things you enjoy.
• If you are overweight, begin a weight loss program after a physical exam by your doctor.
• Take vitamin and mineral supplements if the doctor recommends them.
• Consider eating smaller meals 6 times a day to maintain a higher energy level.
• Eat more complex carbohydrates such as rice and pasta, and reduce fat intake.
• Avoid foods containing sugar.
• Stop smoking.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Avoid drugs.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid overeating.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.