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What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Fatigue?

by Jenna Gray

Overview

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Fatigue?

Fatigue can affect a person in many ways and it can occur for a variety of reasons. In some cases, it may simply mean that a person is working too much and needs a break. In other instances, a person's fatigue may be a warning sign of something much more serious.
Definition

Fatigue is a condition in which a person is extremely tired and is low in energy. Other names for this condition include exhaustion, lethargy and tiredness. Nearly everyone will experience fatigue at some point, due to mental or physical stress. In many cases, a person can recover from fatigue without medical help, as long as the underlying cause is properly handled. However, in some cases the fatigue may be a symptom of a serious medical condition and may require treatment from a doctor.

Symptoms

People who are experiencing fatigue may feel drowsy and worn out. This feeling is much more intense than the normal sleepiness that occurs when the body needs rest. The drowsiness that accompanies fatigue is immobilizing. Fatigue can also cause a person to have weak muscles, slow responses and slow movements. Mental exhaustion is another symptom of fatigue. If left untreated, fatigue can cause forgetfulness, difficulty in staying focused, and a lack of mental clarity.
Causes

Certain medical conditions can cause fatigue. Depression and iron deficiency anemia are among the most common causes. Allergies that cause asthma or hay fever can also lead to fatigue. Other causes include sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and insomnia. Thyroid conditions, consuming alcohol and using illegal drugs are also causes. A person can also experience fatigue due to chronic illnesses such as cancer, anorexia, lupus, heart disease, AIDS, diabetes and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment

Simple lifestyle changes can help ease the symptoms of fatigue. Regular exercise, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can help restore a person's energy. It is also important to get enough sleep at night, maintain a nutritious diet, and drink lots of water. Other ways to reduce fatigue include taking multivitamins and finding effective ways of managing stress and coping with problems. This can be accomplished through counseling. A person who is fatigued should not drink alcohol, use drugs or smoke.
When to Get Medical Help

Sometimes the symptoms of fatigue can become so severe that a person will need immediate medical attention. This includes instances in which a person has blurred vision, sudden weight gain or is unable to pass urine. Medical treatment is also necessary if a person is extremely weak, depressed, is sensitive to the cold and wakes up several times at night. Other warning signs include unexplained weight loss, headaches and constipation.