fatigue

fatigue, fatigue and increased sleepiness are usually not symptoms of a disease. Nevertheless, fatigue can also be a symptom of a wide variety of diseases when the body and its immune system is weakened.

What is fatigue?

Almost 1/3 of the population in Germany suffer from tiredness that cannot be traced back to healthy tiredness. Women and stress-ridden people in particular suffer from symptoms of fatigue more often.

As already noted, fatigue is usually not a pathological symptom. Every healthy person feels tired after an individual period of time. The body and mind are often very tired, especially after a hard and exhausting day at work.

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However, fatigue can also arise due to lack of sleep. This lack of sleep can be brought about consciously by the person himself or it relates to sleep disorders as the cause. A distinction must be made between rapid fatigue and permanent fatigue. The intensity of tiredness is classified from mild tiredness to chronic tiredness.

Fatigue can also express itself through other symptoms and physical symptoms. Typical for this are general weakness, concentration disorders, cold extremities, reluctance, lack of motivation and weakness. Almost 1/3 of the population in Germany suffer from tiredness that cannot be traced back to healthy tiredness. Women and stress-ridden people in particular suffer from symptoms of fatigue more often.

causes

Fatigue usually has no pathological causes but is very important for a healthy sleep. Particularly with regard to sleep disorders, however, the cause of fatigue is mostly mental and physical disorders that permanently disrupt the normal need for sleep and the sleep rhythm. This tiredness is not organic, but after a long time it can also affect the organs (e.g. headaches and stomach pains). The most common side effects and causes of the emotional causes of fatigue are anxiety disorders, depression and social stress.

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However, fatigue is most common with viral infections. The common cold is arguably the most common cause of general weakness and fatigue. Further possible illnesses that are directly related to pronounced fatigue can be found below in the illnesses section.

But also heavy snorers often suffer from fatigue, as they do not get enough deep and healthy sleep at night due to respiratory problems (shortness of breath, sleep apnea).

The most common diseases that have severe fatigue as a symptom are: hepatitis, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus and various cancers. Some drugs also cause fatigue due to their side effects. Especially neuroleptics, antidepressants and antihistamines are typical representatives. Heavy metals are also known for their performance-reducing and drowsiness-inducing effects (e.g. amalgam, lead, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide)

In addition, excessive consumption of alcohol can cause tiredness. Beer in particular has a strong soporific effect due to its hops content.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines against tiredness and weakness

Diseases with this symptom

• cold
• measles
• Glandular Pfeiffer fever
• Low blood pressure

• Meningitis
• leukemia
• Hypothyroidism
• Diabete _mellitus

• Alzheimer
• anemia
• Sleep apnea
• Crohn's disease

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Diagnosis & course

Fatigue can have many causes and is not a disease. Rather, it can be a symptom of one. To find out, the doctor uses a combination of interview and physical examination.

Questions about lifestyle or physical abnormalities or previous illnesses are usually followed by examinations. In addition to palpating various organs, blood tests or even placement in a sleep laboratory can lead to a diagnosis.

Fatigue shows up in the fact that the patient has little drive and strength during the day and would much rather sleep. Everything is possible, from the mere desire to sleep to the actual short "nodding off".

When should you go to the doctor?

Fatigue becomes a problem when it interferes with a person's normal performance all day long. A doctor's visit is due when someone suddenly or slowly mutates from a vital person to a constantly tired person. When visiting a doctor, the person concerned should also describe any accompanying symptoms that may have occurred. From this, the doctor can often draw conclusions about the possible causes of exhaustion.

Overwhelming fatigue that occurs suddenly should always be investigated. Additional complaints such as increased temperature, muscular weakness, depression, shortness of breath or attacks of dizziness can give the doctor important information about possible causes of fatigue. Possibly the reason lies in breathing pauses at night. These can often only be determined in the sleep laboratory. If the person concerned has no knowledge of a possible connection, the doctor can carry out laboratory tests and further examinations after the questioning. Life contexts or work-related stresses should also be questioned.

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After the initial consultation, the family doctor can arrange further referrals in order to come to a diagnosis regarding fatigue. He can refer the patient to the sleep laboratory, a neurologist or a psychologist. If chemical poisoning or self-poisoning with drugs or intoxicants is the focus of his suspicion, the doctor will suggest appropriate measures. The active cooperation of the patient is required.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

As a rule, the person concerned does not go to the doctor because of tiredness. Should the tiredness persist for a longer period of time or even intensify, it is advisable to consult a doctor. The doctor will then primarily ask about the duration and intensity of the tiredness and at which times of the day the tiredness is particularly severe.

Above all, the doctor wants to find out whether the tiredness has psychosomatic causes or whether there may be serious illnesses behind it. A possible mineral deficiency in the blood (iron, calcium and magnesium) should also be taken into account by a blood test in the laboratory. If the cause is more likely to be found in the social and emotional environment, the doctor may refer you to a specialist (e.g. psychotherapist). There the cause is sought in the professional or family and social environment. You should also tell the doctor about any medication you are currently taking.

If no causes are found so far, the doctor will initiate a physical examination. The lymph nodes, spleen and liver are examined in particular. The lungs, the heart and the respiratory organs are monitored. Furthermore, the strength of the muscles and their reflexes are tested. If other causes are suspected, further treatments (e.g. sleep laboratory, electrocardiogram (EKG), blood tests) can be prescribed by the doctor.

Once the correct cause for the tiredness or lack of sleep has finally been found, individual therapy can begin. Your doctor will give you more details. If an organic disease is the cause of your tiredness, this must first be treated.

Sleeping pills such as sleeping pills and the like are not advisable as they can be addictive. In consultation with your doctor, try first to treat sleep disorders with herbal or natural medicines such as lemon balm, valerian and hops.

Outlook & forecast

Fatigue can occur in people for a variety of reasons. As a rule, therefore, no universal prediction can be made for this symptom. However, in most cases, fatigue can be treated simply with bed rest, sleep, and relaxation.

Fatigue often appears as a symptom of colds, flu and other infections and disappears again as soon as the patient is cured. It is not uncommon for fatigue to appear after eating, which is also a common symptom. However, if tiredness persists and cannot be combated by sleep and relaxation, a doctor should be consulted. In these cases, the tiredness can be a symptom of another, more serious illness.

There is no proper treatment for tiredness, the body has to rest accordingly. It also often occurs in old age and is not a complication here.

In some cases, fatigue can be accompanied by headache, depression, and a feeling of gloom. Here it is advisable to see a psychologist, since the fatigue in this case has a psychological origin. Most of the time, the tiredness is only temporary.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines against tiredness and weakness

Home remedies & herbs for tiredness

Home remedies ↵ for fatigue

• The so-called spring tiredness often manifests itself in headaches, lack of concentration, tiredness and feelings of discomfort. This is due to the fact that during the winter months the body received little natural light, but mostly had to be in stuffy, heated air, covered with thick, impermeable clothing. In addition, the cleansing effects of fresh plant food are missing.

In order to counteract this springtime tiredness, it is advisable to avoid fatty and protein-rich foods, high-calorie pastries and sweets for some time - it is best to have a few short fasting pies. It is important that the body gets plenty of fresh air and exercise (walks, gardening, first sunbathing). Fresh salads and vegetable juices and the following medicinal plants support the fight against spring fatigue: nettle, coltsfoot, juniper, ribwort, horsetail, garlic and onions.

• The following methods can help against tiredness that is not based on organic diseases: Sufficient sleep of 8 hours, stopping coffee and caffeine products, no sedatives and alcohol, lots of exercise in the fresh air, doing sports, creating a uniform and constant daily rhythm , Plenty of drinking and cool showers in the morning and after exercise.

You can do that yourself

Fatigue can occur for many reasons. As a rule, however, fatigue is caused by stress and a lack of sleep. Therefore, when tired, the patient needs to rest and give the body an opportunity to relax and recover. It is also possible to take short breaks during the day, but you should also sleep well so that the entire body can regenerate.

Stress should be avoided when tired. It is often not possible to completely avoid stressful situations in everyday life, but relaxation therapy can be carried out before going to bed. Sports such as yoga are particularly suitable for this. An increased intake of fluids often helps against tiredness; coffee can also be used here to counteract tiredness. However, the person concerned should not consume too much coffee, as this would lead to dependence.

If the tiredness occurs especially after eating, it makes sense to change your diet. Greasy foods should be avoided. Eating a healthy diet and engaging in physical activity is always beneficial to the body. If the tiredness occurs due to a chronic problem, a doctor should be consulted, as medical treatment is necessary here.