Chronic fatigue: perhaps illnesses

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Extract from the article: Fatigue or asthenia is generally the result of lack of sleep or overwork. But when it sets in over the long term, it can be a sign of more worrying illnesses that need to be treated. Here are some of the illnesses that may be lurking behind intense f

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Fatigue or asthenia is generally the result of lack of sleep or overwork. But when it sets in over the long term, it can be a sign of more worrying illnesses that need to be treated. Here are some of the illnesses that may be lurking behind intense fatigue.

Fatigue is a common symptom that sleep and rest can usually resolve. It can also affect mental state, intellect and sexuality.  It is caused by physical or intellectual exertion.  It is also a side effect of certain medications.  When it lasts over time and does not go away despite rest and a good night's sleep, it becomes abnormal.  Chronic fatigue is fatigue that lasts despite rest and sleep. It is important to pay attention to the symptoms with which it is associated.

Cancer

In some cases, chronic fatigue may be the manifestation of cancer. In this case, in addition to general fatigue, the patient will also suffer from weight loss and loss of appetite. If these symptoms occur, it's best to consult a doctor immediately.

Heart failure, respiratory failure, hypothyroidism

Sometimes, this extreme fatigue can be associated with feelings of shortness of breath. If, for example, a person experiences shortness of breath simply by climbing stairs, or even after carrying out simple tasks, it may be heart failure. If it's respiratory failure, then shortness of breath may be accompanied by coughing, or other respiratory symptoms. Facial swelling, abnormal weight gain, shortness of breath and unusual sweating may point to a disturbance in thyroid gland function.

Depression

Chronic fatigue can also be the result of depression. Indeed, fatigue associated with stress can lead to or be the result of depression. It needs to be treated quickly, before it becomes more serious.

Anemia

Anemia can manifest itself as extreme fatigue, but also as pale skin. It may be the result of bleeding that the patient has not seen, such as an ulcer, heavy menstruation or iron deficiency. It is therefore essential to take a blood test to determine the hemoglobin and iron levels in the blood.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apneas are pauses in breathing during sleep. They cause great fatigue during the day, as nights are no longer restorative. They can be detected by snoring, an irrepressible need to nap during the day, and sometimes sudden onset of sleep.

Diabetes

In cases of type 1 diabetes, the patient is not only extremely tired, but also needs to drink all day long. This leads to frequent urination. For people with type 2 diabetes, thirst is less of an issue. Obesity, overweight and lack of physical activity are risk factors. To diagnose diabetes, simply take a blood sample to measure blood sugar levels.

Viral diseases

Illnesses caused by viruses are always associated with fatigue. Influenza, for example, manifests itself as intense fatigue, aches and pains, and fever.

Fatigue caused by asphyxia

Heavy smokers often complain of fatigue, and this is perfectly normal. Tobacco not only reduces the oxygen supply to the cells, but also considerably reduces the diameter of the blood vessels. Over the long term, tobacco can cause intense chronic fatigue.

Abel OZIH

Article validated by Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner Lomé-Togo