
Fatigue is a common health complaint by individuals. Fatigue is also referred to as feeling weary, tired, exhausted, lethargic, and a lack of energy. There are several causes of fatigue from sleep disturbances to some diseases or conditions. Treatment of fatigue is generally directed toward the condition or disease causing fatigue.
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Pancreatitis
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Mountain Sickness
Altitude sickness (mountain sickness) is caused when a person's body is not able to adjust to a higher altitude. Acute altitude sickness symptoms fatigue, headache, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, decreased appetite, edema, and social withdrawal. Most cases of altitude sickness are resolved by going to a lower altitude. Altitude sickness can be severe and life-threatening if it progresses to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). -
Anemia
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Understanding Antidepressant Medications
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Grief and Bereavement
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Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a group of different types of heart disease. Symptoms of heart disease depend on the cause and inclue chest pain or angina, shortness of breath, palpitations, and dizziness. Many conditions causes heart disease, for example, genetics, obesity, high cholesterol, and smoking. Treatment for heart disease depend on the cause and include diet and other lifestyle changes, medications, procedures, and surgery. The prognosis (outlook) and life span for someone with heart disease varies depending on the cause. -
Heart Rhythm Disorders
Arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders are conditions that causes changes in the normal heartbeat. There are numerous types of arrhythmias, for example, supraventricular tachycardia, sinus sick syndrome, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular fibrillation. Signs and symptoms of an arrhythmia may include: Chest pain or discomfort Shortness of breath Palpitations Racing heart sensation Treatment for arrhythmias depend upon the cause. -
Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
Blood in the urine (hematuria) may be associated with many conditions, some of which can be dangerous. Learn about causes, tests, and prognosis. -
Can Teething Make A Baby Lethargic?
Pain from teething may disrupt a baby’s normal sleep habits, which can lead to more daytime sleepiness that can result in symptoms of lethargy. Lethargy is a lack of energy, sluggishness, apathy or indifference, or laziness. -
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning material containing carbon. Carbon monoxide kills nearly 400 people each year in the U.S. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, nausea, fatigue, and are often mistaken for the flu. If a person suspects they have been exposed to carbon monoxide poison, seek medical care emergently. -
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can also be called "systemic exertion intolerance disease," and it has no known cause. The condition is characterized by severe lethargy for more than a day after exercise or exertion. Sufferers may have a sore throat, tender lymph nodes, short-term memory problems, and grogginess even after sleeping, among other symptoms. -
Sleep and Sleep Disorders in Children
Sleep and sleep disorders may be affected by a variety of factors. Learn about the different types of sleep disorders as well as symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. -
Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea
There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (the most common type) and central sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can be caused by many factors such as strokes, heart failure, medications, or physical structures in the throat and mouth. Treatment range from medical devices to surgery. -
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is pain that persists for a period of six months or longer, and is the result of a long-standing medical condition(s) or damage to the body. Common sources of chronic pain include headaches, back pain, and arthritis. There are several types of pain including general somatic pain, visceral pain, bone pain, muscle cramps, neuropathy, circulatory problems, and headache pain. Chronic pain may be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications. -
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood and oxygen to the body's tissues. Learn about symptoms and treatment. -
Diabetes (Mellitus, Type 1 and Type 2)
What causes diabetes, what tests diagnose it, and what is a good diabetic diet? Learn the signs of being diabetic, the treatments, and the differences between type 1 vs. type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent) can be caused by heredity, environmental factors, or ethnicity. Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent) can be caused by high blood pressure, high lipid levels, high-fat diet, high alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, ethnicity, or age. -
Disorders That Disrupt Sleep (Parasomnias)
Parasomnias are sleep problems that significantly disrupt the lives of those who suffer them. Parasomnias include speech and movements during sleep, sleep walking, night terrors, sleep paralysis , and abnomalities in the natural stages of sleep, among other problems. These problems are diagnosed through polysomnography (sleep testing), and can be treated with a combination of medications, sleep hygiene depending on the particular disorder. -
Dizziness
Dizziness may be a minor problem, or could be something life-threatening. Causes of dizziness include high blood pressure, low blood pressure, heart problems, conditions of the brain, medications, metabolic conditions, aging, other illnesses or conditions, or psychiatric conditions. Treatment depends upon the cause of the dizziness. -
Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
The Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis and has also been linked to certain lymphomas and nasopharyngeal cancer. Mono symptoms include sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes and occasionally appetite loss, fatigue, chills, headaches, and sweats. Over-the-counter pain medicines, fluids, and rest are recommended to treat mono. -
Fainting
Fainting or syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness. Causes of fainting include vasovagal, situational, postural, cardiac, neurologic, and psychogenic. Treatment of fainting depends on the cause. -
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an illness with no known cause. Symptoms include chronic pain, fatigue, fibrofog (mental haziness), insomnia, headaches, nervousness, numbness, dizziness, and intestinal disturbances. Treatment may involve acupuncture, massage, biofeedback, antidepressants, Lyrica, Cymbalta, Savella, Flexeril, and Mirapex. -
Flu in Children Health
Children may become infected with influenza by inhaling infected droplets in the air or if they come in contact with secretions from an infected person. Symptoms in children include a high-grade fever up to 104 F, chills, headaches, sore throat, cough, and muscle aches. Treatment of flu in children involves rest, increased fluid intake, treating fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, using a humidifier, and using a rubber suction bulb to remove nasal secretions in younger children. -
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a condition in which a person's body overheats due to fatigue, exercising or working in a hot environment, or dehydration. They elderly and young children under the age of 5 are at a greater risk for developing heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat exhaustion in an adults and children include clammy skin, thirst, weak and rapid pulse, vomiting or nausea, headache, sweating heavily, muscle cramps, and weakness. Treatment is to place the affected person in a cool place, try to hydrate the individual, and cool their body with a cool mist of water, or cool (not cold) bath. Heat exhaustion can be prevented if precautions are taken. All cases of heat exhaustion should be evaluated by a medical professional. -
Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis is an infection most frequently caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands. Treatment incorporates plenty of rest, fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for at least one month after the onset of symptoms to avoid rupturing the spleen. -
Flu in Adults
Flu (influenza) is an acute infection of the nose and throat airways. This infection may spread to the lungs. Flu is the most frequent cause of acute respiratory infection in people of all ages. Symptoms of the flu include fever, severe aches and pains, headache, dry cough, sore throat, and at times vomiting and nausea. Treatment for the flu includes home remedies such as OTC pain relievers, rest, and hydration. Medical treatment for the flu includes antiviral medications. -
Malaria
Malaria is a disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms and signs include high fever, body aches, headache, nausea, weakness, and chills. Treatment may involve administering oral medications, fluids, and possible IV drug therapy. -
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP, click-murmur syndrome, Barlow syndrome) is a condition in which parts of the mitral valve in the heart are too large. Because of this, the valve closes unevenly, causing backwards leaking of blood. This serious condition, which may be inherited, can cause symptoms of chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, and others. Treatment includes beta blockers, avoiding stimulants, and occasionally surgery. -
Pernicious Anemia (Vitamin B-12 Deficiency)
Pernicious anemia (vitamin B-12 deficiency) is a type of anemia that is a result of the body's inability to absorb vitamin B-12 into the gastrointestinal tract. Common symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath. Causes of pernicious anemia can be attributed to autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disorders, vitiligo, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and infection and poor nutrition. Treatment for pernicious anemia is generally with life-long vitamin B-12 injections. -
Pregnancy Week by Week
Pregnancy occurs when an egg is fertilized by a sperm, grows inside a woman's uterus (womb), and develops into a baby. In humans, this process takes about 280 days. -
Primary Insomnia
Primary insomnia is sleeplessness that cannot be attributed to a medical, psychiatric, or environmental cause (such as drug abuse or medications). Symptoms of primary insomnia include: Difficulty falling asleep Frequently awakening during the night Atypical reactions to sleep medications Tense Treatment may include lifestyle changes, therapy, medication, or a combination of these. -
Rectal Bleeding
Read about causes of rectal bleeding, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, tumors, trauma, and inflammation of the bowel. Also learn when to see a doctor for medical treatment. -
Sleep Disorders and Aging
Sleep problems are common among people as they age. People tend to sleep less in later years, but other sleep issues can be caused by a variety of medical symptoms and drug side effects. Daytime sleepiness and fatigue and reduce the quality of life for senior citizens. Medications and sleep hygeine, or a combination of the two, can help. -
Sleep Disorders in Women
Sleep disorders affect both men and women, but suffer these problems at double the rate of men. Psychosocial stress, hormonal changes, illness, and lifestyle factors can all affect sleep in women. Medications may be used to help women get to sleep, but losing weight, avoiding caffeine, getting plenty of exercise and overall good sleep hygiene can help in many cases. -
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection, typically of the lungs, that is caused by either bacteria or fungus. Though treatments have have greatly evolved over the years, TB is still a major health problem worldwide.
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Fainting Fainting or syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness. Causes of fainting include vasovagal, situational, postural, cardiac, neurologic, and psychogenic.
Treatment of fainting depends on the cause.
Fatigue Topic Guide - Visuals
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