Some fatigue that persists for over two to four weeks and is new to you, can be associated with a medical problem. Fatigue is a very vague and non-specific symptom that accompanies many diseases.
Weakness: When to call
You have new or worsening weakness. You are dizzy, lightheaded or you feel like you might faint. You lose muscle function in one area of the body. This can be a sign of a stroke or of a problem with the spinal cord or a nerve.
Medical causes– unrelenting exhaustion may be a sign of an underlying illness or condition (such as flu, glandular fever, chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroid disorders, heart disease or diabetes). Lifestyle-related causes – alcohol or drugs or lack of regular exercise can lead to feelings of fatigue.
It's normal to feel tired sometimes. But if you're tired all the time and do not know why, it could be a sign of a problem.
Muscle weakness is commonly due to lack of exercise, ageing, muscle injury or pregnancy. It can also occur with long-term conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. There are many other possible causes, which include stroke, multiple sclerosis, depression, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME).
Medical Causes. Diabetes, heart diseases, some forms of cancer, and thyroid disorder can all contribute to feelings of exhaustion and fatigue. Lifestyle-Related Causes. Obesity, drug abuse, alcohol dependence, high stress levels, lack of exercise, and lack of adequate nutrition can lead to feelings of depression ...
In most cases, there's a reason for the fatigue. It might be allergic rhinitis, anemia, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease (COPD), a bacterial or viral infection, or some other health condition. If that's the case, then the long-term outlook is good.
However, most people start experiencing a decline in their energy levels by the time they reach their mid-thirties.
In short, plenty of healthy food, appropriate meal timings and loving your job is all you need to keep going at all times. Next time, if you feel weakness don't ask your doctor to prescribe you a Tonic, instead tell your body that “Don't make me fool, get up and keep going”.
“Being fatigued not only is a physical feeling, it can also be a mental feeling, too,” Robinson says. “If you can't do the tasks or activities you're normally capable of doing, or fall asleep at unexpected times of the day, you might be experiencing fatigue,” Robinson says.
Fatigue that lasts longer than 2 weeks usually requires a visit to a doctor. This type may be caused by a more serious health problem, such as: A decrease in the amount of the substance that carries oxygen in red blood cells (anemia). Problems with the heart, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure.
A Fatigue Blood and Urine Test Panel includes a Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP-14), Complete Blood Count with Differentials, Iron with Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC), Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Sedimentation Rate, Westergren (SED), Urinalysis, Complete with Microscopic Examination.
Mental exhaustion
It also takes a lot of mental energy to avoid the things that trigger anxious feelings. As a result, you might feel mentally foggy and have difficulty concentrating on tasks. Mental or emotional exhaustion can also make you irritable and physically tired.
Feeling tired and weak
With a cold – You may be tired and weak, but this feeling is typically mild and never turns into extreme exhaustion. With the flu – It's extremely common to feel tired and weak for two weeks or longer. You may also have extreme exhaustion that comes on suddenly.
General weakness often occurs after you've done too much activity at one time. For instance, maybe you took an extra-long hike. You may feel weak and tired, or your muscles may be sore. These symptoms usually go away within a few days.
Possible causes include stroke, systemic diseases, inflammatory conditions, nerve damage, muscle disorders, and medication side effects. It is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.