Disease, Illness and Condition Library


    Fatigue

    Fatigue is a common condition that affects most people to
    some degree. But while fatigue is a common problem it comes
    in many forms and has many potential causes. We have tried
    to provide a helpful list of ailments which have been known to
    cause fatigue and the symptoms involved.
    While by no means are these all of the possible causes this list does
    provide a good starting point for learning more about fatigue.



    Addison’s disease (a potentially fatal illness that occurs when the adrenal
    glands can not produce adequate amounts of the hormone cortisone) is
    characterized by weakness; fatigue; weight loss; salt cravings; darkening skin;
    hair loss.

    What to Do
    Call your doctor now. You will need regular cortisone supplements to
    avoid going into adrenal shock.

    Additional Information
    When Addison’s disease develops, it is a lifelong condition that requires
    regular cortisone like supplements.

    Anemia is characterized by weakness and fatigue; dizziness; faintness;
    pale skin; heart palpitations; and loss of appetite.

    What to Do
    See your doctor as soon as possible. Anemia can have serious complications.

    Additional Information
    Treatment will depend on the cause and extent of your anemia, and may
    include dietary changes, nutritional supplements, and/or surgery.

    Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by debilitating fatigue
    that can last for six months or more; fatigue is not from over exertion and
    not helped by rest; persistent low grade fever; aching, weak muscles;
    swollen lymph nodes; joint pain; headache; confusion; sore throat.

    What to Do
    Consult your doctor; this condition is difficult to diagnose and easily confused
    with AIDS, mononucleosis, and a multitude of other ailments.

    Additional Information
    There remains confusion about the true cause of CFS. Some of the suspected
    culprits are immune system problems, viruses, allergies, and hormonal
    imbalances.

    Congestive Heart Failure is a condition where your heart in not pumping
    at full capacity, causing fluid to accumulate in other areas of the body, and
    is characterized by shortness of breath; fatigue and weakness; coughing;
    swelling in abdomen or legs; rapid heartbeat.

    What to Do
    Get emergency medical care. You may need to be hospitalized to stabilize your
    condition; treatment may include surgery, medication, changes in diet, and
    specific exercises.

    Additional Information
    None

    Depression is characterized by unrelenting sadness, fatigue, and pessimism;
    sudden change in appetite; difficulty sleeping, or tendency to oversleep;
    sometimes, thoughts of death or suicide.

    What to Do
    Depression often responds to conventional and alternative treatments.
    Consult your doctor, a psychotherapist, or a counselor such as a member
    of the clergy.

    Additional Information
    Regular exercise is significant aid to recovering from depression.

    Diabetes is characterized by fatigue; excessive thirst and frequent urination;
    increased appetite; weight loss; recurring yeast infection.

    What to Do
    Visit your doctor for a diet and medication regimen to avoid serious
    (and possibly lethal) complications.

    Additional Information
    Type 1 diabetes requires insulin injections;
    Type 2 does not require insulin injections and can be controlled through
    diet and exercise.

    Flu is characterized by extreme fatigue; fever, sore throat; headache; chills;
    cough; nasal congestion; body aches.

    What to Do
    Rest as much as possible and drink ample amounts of water. Take an
    anti-inflammatory painkiller such as ibuprofen if necessary.

    Additional Information
    Vaccines for some forms of flu are offered each year and are recommended
    for anyone over 65, as well as for other groups at high risk for developing
    serious complications.

    Hepatitis (inflamed liver), and Cirrhosis (degenerating liver) are
    characterized by lack of appetite; mild fever; muscle and joint aches;
    fatigue; nausea and vomiting; abdominal pain; possibly, dark colored
    urine, light colored stools, yellowish, itching skin.

    What to Do
    See your doctor without delay. Treatment will depend on the type and
    severity of your illness.

    Additional Information
    Cirrhosis may be caused by one of several viruses, by overuse of alcohol
    or drugs, or by ingesting one of many toxins.

    Hypothyroidism (failure of the body to produce enough thyroid hormone)
    is characterized by fatigue, numbness and tingling in hands; constipation; dry
    skin and hair; increased sensitivity to cold; persistent low body temperature.

    What to Do
    You will likely need hormone replacement therapy; consult your doctor.

    Additional Information
    Avoid foods that interfere with thyroid hormone production, including cabbage,
    peaches, spinach, and peanuts. There are also a number of herbal thyroid
    supplements worth considering, especially if prescription medications are not
    appropriate.

    Insomnia is characterized by fatigue during the day; trouble falling asleep,
    and/or difficulty sleeping through the night.

    What to Do
    If your insomnia lasts longer than a month, consult your doctor; you may
    have an underlying problem such as hypothyroidism. Mild insomnia is normal
    during pregnancy.

    Additional Information
    Use different techniques to help you sleep; before bed, try taking a bath,
    practicing deep breathing, reading a relaxing book, or having a cup or
    chamomile tea.

    Jet lag is characterized persistent fatigue; sleeplessness, hunger at
    seemingly odd times.

    What to Do
    Keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty or water and avoiding alcoholic
    beverages. When you arrive at your destination, force your body to adjust to the
    local time zone as rapidly as possible.

    Additional Information
    The hormone melatonin is though to help regulate the body’s rhythms;
    melatonin supplements, which are readily available, may help fight jet lag.

    Kidney disease is characterized by frequent waking during the night
    to urinate; persistent fatigue; weight loss; dry, itching skin; pallor;
    shortness of breath; swelling of the hands and feet; unpleasant taste
    in the mouth.

    What to Do
    Seek out medical care immediately. Kidney disease is a life threatening
    condition that often requires emergency care.

    Additional Information
    Ask your doctor or nutritionist for a dietary plan to minimize stress on your
    kidneys. There are a number of excellent herbal kidney health supplements
    worth considering.

    Lifestyle issues are characterized by general lethargy that somewhat
    limits daily activities; possibly, obesity; tendency to feel stressed.

    What to Do
    Determine what lifestyle patterns (overworking, lack of proper nutrition) are
    contributing to your fatigue, and make changes; begin a diet to lose weight,
    and/or adopt a stress reduction technique – such as yoga – that you are
    comfortable with and will do regularly.

    Additional Information
    Aromatherapy may help reduce stress:
    Place 2 drops of essential of peppermint on a handkerchief and inhale.

    Mononucleosis is characterized by severe fatigue, a sore throat that may
    be severe, headache, chills, muscle aches, fever, cough; possibly followed
    by swollen lymph nodes, yellowish skin, rash that resembles measles,
    soreness in upper left abdomen.

    What to Do
    Pay a visit to your doctor. Complete bed rest is essential, with gradual
    return to normal activity; no other treatment is usually given.

    Additional Information
    Most people start to feel better within two or three weeks, but the fatigue
    may last for months.

    Prescription Medications and OTC Medications (sleeping pills, cough
    and cold preparations, and blood pressure drugs) are characterized by
    fatigue that only develops after starting a new medication.

    What to Do
    Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of any medications
    you are taking. Also, read labels carefully for warnings about fatigue.

    Additional Information
    Call the manufacturer. In most cases there is a 1-800 number listed on
    the label.

    Sleep Apnea is characterized by episodes on interrupted breathing –
    for up to one or two minutes at a time while attempting to sleep.
    Because of this nighttime sleep that is interrupted by sudden awakenings
    from a choking sensation, followed by drowsiness and more sleep;
    fatigue during the day.

    What to Do
    Consider visiting your doctor for a definite diagnosis. Both natural and
    prescription medications are readily available for mild cases. Sometimes
    problematic snoring is the culprit, if this is the case your doctor may suggest
    surgery, to keep your airways open.

    Additional Information
    There are other disorders that can mimic sleep apnea including asthma and
    slight heart failure.

    Tuberculosis and possibly lung cancer is characterized by fatigue,
    weight loss, cough (occasionally with blood sputum), slight fever,
    nighttime perspiration; sometimes, pain in the chest, back,
    and/or kidneys.

    What to Do
    See your doctor today. For tuberculosis, you will need one or
    several antibiotics. Lung cancer therapy is wholly dependent on
    the extent of the disease.

    Additional Information
    Echinacea as well as a number of other herbal supplements is reported to
    stimulate immune system activity, thereby helping to fight infection.


    Natural Supplements Helpful for Fatigue

    Fatigue Fighter - Helps maintain energy levels and feelings of well being,
    overall systemic and immune functioning.
    Continue

    AnemiCare - Homeopathic remedy temporarily increases iron absorption
    to avoid iron deficiency.
    Continue

    AdrenoBoost - Protects adrenal glands from the damaging effects of stress to
    maintain healthy functioning.
    Continue
Insomnia
Jet lag
Kidney Disease
Lifestyle issues
Mononucleosis
Prescription Medications
Sleep apnea
Tuberculosis
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