Extreme Fatigue : Common Causes To Consider

Extreme Fatigue : Common Causes To Consider

Fatigue is an ongoing tiredness that can be constant. Many of us have time-limited fatigue in the context of a viral illness such as the flu or when we don’t have enough sleep, however for some fatigue can become a chronic issue. Unfortunately extreme fatigue is very common. The potential list of causes of fatigue is extremely long and all of them cannot be discussed here.

Here are some common conditions/ factors to consider:

1. OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA.
   According to the National Sleep Foundation, 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which there is ineffective breathing at night. This leads to several cycles of low oxygen in the blood. Low oxygen then causes significant amount of stress on the cardiovascular system. Sleep apnea is a very common cause of fatigue. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be effectively treated. The diagnosis is typically made after a sleep study. If you have fatigue and a history of loud snoring, consider discussing this with your doctor as further evaluation may be indicated.
   
   
2. HEART DISEASE.
   Several types of heart disease can lead to fatigue. Heart related fatigue can often be worse with physical activity. Coronary artery disease can manifest as fatigue. Also congestive heart failure and valvular heart disease can also lead to significant fatigue. Common risk factors for coronary artery disease include obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. For patients who have fatigue with multiple coronary risk factors, a cardiac evaluation should be considered.
   
   
3. THYROID DISEASE.
   Women are 2 to 10 times more likely than men to develop thyroid disease. The thyroid gland regulates the body‘s metabolism. When the thyroid is underactive, there are insufficient levels of circulating thyroid hormone in the body. This can lead to significant fatigue. Thyroid disease is often diagnosed based on the laboratory testing. The thyroid condition can then be managed by a primary provider or Endocrinologist.
   
   
4. MEDICATIONS.
   Several medications can cause fatigue. In the cardiovascular realm, it is well known that medications for blood pressure such as beta blockers can contribute to fatigue. Other medications can also cause fatigue, such as pain medications and even antihistamines. If you are dealing with excessive fatigue it is worth taking a close look at your medications with your doctor.
   
   
5. DEPRESSION.
   Depression is well known to be associated with fatigue. Your doctor may prescribe medication. You may also be referred to see a psychiatrist/psychologist for further evaluation. Psychotherapy and/or medication along with lifestyle changes can help relieve depression.
   
   
6. ANEMIA.
   Anemia is a term which describes having a deficient number of red blood cells in the body. The red cells are responsible for delivering oxygen to the various tissues in the body. Anemia can have multiple different causes such as bleeding, kidney disease, or vitamin deficiencies. It is important to understand that anemia is often a reversible cause of fatigue.

There are certainly many other causes of fatigue. This is in by no means an exhaustive list (no pun intended). I have focused mostly on causes that I see commonly in my own practice. The important thing to remember is that fatigue can have many different causes and often can be treated once the underlying cause has been adequately addressed. If you are dealing with excessive fatigue then it is advisable to discuss your symptoms with your doctor so a plan for further evaluation and treatment can be decided.