Everyone feels tired after an exhausting day at work or trek. It’s absolutely normal. Demanding work environments, stress from personal relationships, strain from balancing all aspects of life and patchy sleep due to anxiety can lead to physical and mental fatigue. If you are into health and fitness, engaging in a high-intensity workout can also contribute to exhaustion which becomes pronounced as the day draws to an end. While tiredness caused by these factors is usually nothing to worry about and can be reversed with some lifestyle changes, feeling tired 24*7, even after 7-8 hours of sound sleep, can be worrying and merits your attention. Such feelings of tiredness are indicators of more serious underlying health conditions which may need immediate medical intervention.
In this article, let us explore 8 common health conditions that could be causing perpetual fatigue in you.
Anaemia is a common deficiency disorder, more prevalent amongst Indian women. According to the National Family Health Survey, approximately 55% of women in India suffer from anaemia or iron deficiency. Anaemia is a condition in which the blood lacks a sufficient quantity of healthy red blood cells and haemoglobin. Red blood cells are very important because they are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to various tissues and cells in the body. This lack of healthy RBCs and low haemoglobin contributes to symptoms such as shortness of breath, suddenly aggravated heartbeat, difficulty concentrating and constant tiredness. Sometimes, persistent exhaustion is the first sign of anaemia.
Pre-existing conditions like kidney disorder, arthritis, internal bleeding and blood loss can cause anaemia. Iron and vitamin B12 deficiency leading to anaemia can affect children, men and women. Getting a blood test done is the best way to evaluate your situation. Consuming prescribed supplements and foods like dark leafy green vegetables, iron-fortified cereals, raisins, beans and apricots can help manage iron deficiency.
At times a person with diabetes will describe himself as feeling tired, lethargic or fatigued. It could be a result of stress, hard work or a lack of a decent night’s sleep but it could also be related to having too high or too low blood glucose levels.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
Sometimes an improper diet lacking in essential nutrients can cause several health issues, including chronic fatigue. As per studies, deficiency in nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin C, folate, niacin, iron, riboflavin and pyridoxine are linked to fatigue. The best way to tackle this is to consult a doctor and a dietician who may prescribe you certain food groups or health supplements to incorporate into your daily diet and improve your nutrient deficiency. Once your nutrient levels normalise, you can expect an improvement in your energy and mood.
Depression is another major cause if weakness.Fatigue is a frequently reported symptom in major depressive disorder, occurring in over 90% of patients. Clinical presentations of fatigue within major depressive disorder encompass overlapping physical, cognitive and emotional aspects.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Thyroid imbalance, wherein the thyroid gland releases excess or lesser hormones, can cause weakness and fatigue. The thyroid gland is positioned at the front of an individual’s neck and its dysfunction is responsible for a number of health conditions (in women mostly), which are not just limited to weight changes. These include conditions like tiredness, weakness, irregular periods, mood swings, hair fall, constipation or diarrhoea, weight changes and rapid heartbeat.
A thyroid function test can help bring about clarity behind your tiredness and the right intake of medications can help remedy your situation to a great extent.
Sometimes an underlying or undetected infection within the body could be depleting your energy which in turn makes you feel tired all the time. This internal fight may not be visible to the naked eye and symptoms can sometimes be minimal aside from extreme fatigue. Weakness confused with otherwise daily strain from lifestyle activities, if continued for months, need expert supervision.
A complete blood count (CBC) test can point out various health conditions like infection, anaemia or even cancer. The CBC test counts whether there has been a loss or increase in the number of cells in the body. Your doctor may further advise specific tests needed for the diagnosis.
When the body fails to utilise sugar (glucose) correctly, it gets stored within the blood, leading to a build-up. Blood glucose cannot be used efficiently by the body to produce energy in diabetes. This causes symptoms like constant thirst, fatigue, weight loss, sudden pangs of hunger, yeast infections, blurry vision, irritation and constant urge to urinate. Blood sugar tests can help your doctor diagnose diabetes. Such tests also help shed light on the reason behind your tiredness.
The kidneys carry out the task of purifying your system by removing all impurities and toxins from your body. When the job is not done well, it can cause painful urination, constant urges to urinate, high blood pressure and, last and most importantly, fatigue.
Doctors recommend tests to evaluate issues with the kidneys and these involve urine and blood sample collection. This group of tests is called the ‘Kidney Function Test’ and includes parameters like blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. A high level in either of the two parameters is a sign that the kidney is not functioning right.
A common symptom reported by patients with liver disorders is chronic fatigue. This is linked to alterations in neurotransmission, which is due to a mismatch of signals interchanged between the brain and the diseased liver.
Alanine transaminase (ALT), albumin, bilirubin and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are some common tests prescribed by doctors to evaluate enzymes generated by the liver when it has become damaged. If a liver disorder is left unaddressed medically, it can cause a condition like jaundice or even be life-threatening.
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We often come across advertisements about electrolyte deficiency during summertime. This deficiency is a common cause of tiredness. But electrolyte deficiency is not just a seasonal problem. Some people suffer from a lack of sodium, potassium and chloride (electrolytes) within their body which can cause exhaustion irrespective of the season. Electrolytes help the muscles and nerves to function healthily and when there is a shortage, it causes fatigue. Blood tests, along with consuming coconut water daily, are some ways you can detect and manage your electrolyte deficiency.
Also Read: Felty Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Research-Backed Treatment Options
From the article, we can understand that tiredness is not as uncomplicated as it may seem. A physical condition as harmless as the constant wish to sleep or rest can be a preliminary sign of an illness. Exhaustion is often one of the earliest symptoms and if action is taken promptly, it helps with a speedy recovery. To address chronic fatigue, consult a doctor and follow up with diagnostic tests and medications to properly manage your condition.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Frequent causes of headache, often overlooked and worsened by self medications – sinusitis is something we all must be aware of. The differences between a common cold and sinusitis are often blurry because both of these illnesses often have similar signs and symptoms initially. Both of these seasonal ailments can be equally difficult to deal with. But since they require a different course of action, you need to know how to tell sinusitis apart from the common cold. The common cold has no specific cure, needs symptomatic management and usually has to run its course for 7 to 10 days. But sinusitis, if left untreated can progress and create further health complications.
Sinusitis occurs when there is an inflammation of the tissue in your sinuses. Paranasal Sinuses are hollow air-filled spaces in the skull around your forehead, nose and eyes. These spaces have membranes that produce mucus. Usually, there are hair-like structures known as cilia in these membranes that push the mucus towards your nose for outflow. But in the case of sinusitis, this drainage of mucus is prohibited due to the swelling of the sinus membranes, leading to obstruction in the drainage of mucus. This may lead to infection of sinuses and symptoms like headaches, stuffy nose, cough and congestion.
Sinusitis is caused by different types of viral or bacterial infections. In fact, the common cold and allergic rhinitis can also be one of the major causes that lead to inflammation of the sinuses.
Besides, nasal polyps, which are small growths in the lining of the nose, can also cause sinusitis. But there can be other more serious underlying causes like a deviated septum (a disfigured nasal cavity), which may lead to chronic sinusitis as well.
Here is a list of the different types of sinusitis so that you can get to listen from your doctor:
For sinusitis, a decongestant coupled with regular saline nasal washes and steam inhalation may be a quick remedy. However, it is recommended not to use over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant sprays for more than 2 days in a row.
It is important to consult a doctor at the earliest for the treatment of sinusitis to avoid worsening of symptoms. In case of infection, you may be prescribed some antibiotics for the treatment along with other medicines based on your complaints.
Since prevention is always better than cure, you would be better off trying to prevent the onset of acute or chronic sinusitis in the first place. You can do this by:
Sinusitis is a common seasonal (or even chronic) ailment that many people suffer from and it is also one of the most overlooked illnesses. The most common symptoms of sinusitis that people have reported are nasal blockage and headaches. Therefore, this ailment is usually not reported unless it becomes a serious impediment to the quality of life. But when left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications. To prevent such complications, it is best to consult a doctor when you find that you might have the symptoms of sinusitis.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Along with fever and cough, fatigue is now one of the top three signs of Covid-19 and also post Covid condition. It may take the form of sudden extreme fatigue or may gradually get worse with time. Fatigue usually occurs early in the disease and may even be one of the first warning symptoms of Covid-19.
It is important to understand the difference between regular tiredness, chronic fatigue and fatigue caused by the coronavirus, i.e., pandemic fatigue. In most cases, you may just be tired after a busy day. However, most reports show that fatigue in Covid-19 affects people of all age groups and genders.
Regular tiredness happens to us regularly, leaving us feeling less energetic. It may also be accompanied by body aches (especially if you have had a physically active day) and you may feel sleepy. That brings us to the key difference between pandemic fatigue and feeling tired – sleep or rest usually fixes feelings of tiredness, so it lasts only a few hours at most.
With Covid-19 related fatigue, however, most viral infections for that matter, getting a good night sleep and taking rest typically will not bring back your energy and strength. Fatigue is characterised by this fact: that your body feels tired and you lack the energy to do even small tasks despite getting ample amounts of rest. And unlike tiredness, it may persist for several days or longer.
The separation between pandemic fatigue and chronic fatigue is a little more nuanced. Chronic fatigue is usually caused by infections, mental health issues, hormonal disorders, genetic disposition or other health issues.
So if you find yourself unable to perform simple, low effort tasks and you wake up still feeling exhausted even though you are sleeping enough, it may be a sign of chronic fatigue or the early symptoms of Covid-19.
If you’re struggling with fatigue, know that you’re not alone – about 8 in 10 adults who get COVID-19 experience fatigue during their illness (and for kids, it occurs about half of the time).
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Although it is still not fully understood, the current consensus in the medical community finds your immune system as the cause of this condition. When your immune system first detects the virus, it immediately starts trying to destroy and get rid of the intruder. This process takes place much before you ever feel any other symptoms of Covid-19 like cough, cold and difficulty breathing.
This phenomenon is not limited to the coronavirus that is responsible for Covid-19, it is common for other viral and bacterial infections too. As your body releases certain chemical mediators to deal with the threat of an infection, the effects of this battle within your body can leave you experiencing sudden extreme fatigue even in the earliest stages of the disease.
Of course, since this effect is not limited to just Covid-19, your fatigue may be caused by any of the other sources mentioned above. So how can you properly identify what’s causing your fatigue?
Myalgias (muscle pain), muscle loss, and weakness are frequently observed in patients with COVID-19 and might persist for several months after infection, viral infections in general are known to cause prolonged weakness and fatigue.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
If you are definitely experiencing fatigue and not just tiredness, the question remains – is this one of the early warning symptoms of Covid-19 or is there some other cause? Covid-19 fatigue is usually accompanied or followed by a fever, cough, chills, body aches, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and loss of smell. You may not be able to correlate the level of tiredness with the extent of your physical activities.
The common symptoms of Covid-19 are evolving due to the newer variants of the virus. The list of symptoms you should look out for includes skin rashes, reddening of the eyes and digestive system issues.
It should be noted, however, that typically, the other symptoms show up later while fatigue is thought to set in within the first seven days of getting infected. So it is best to rule out other causes when you notice that you have fatigue.
Speak with a doctor if you are unsure what is causing your fatigue and they will work to identify or rule out the common causes. It may be that you are experiencing side effects of your medications, a mental health issue or that you have a hormonal issue. In any case, your doctor will be able to guide you on the best steps to take to move forward.
While feeling sudden extreme fatigue may not seem alarming, the fact is it may very well be your earliest warning sign of Covid-19. With time, the disease progresses and inflammation increases, the risk of developing major symptoms is high.
It is important to monitor fatigue, whether you see it in yourself or your loved ones around you. Keep in mind, the pandemic fatigue that is linked to Covid-19 affects kids and adults alike, so monitor your children as well. If you or your doctor suspects that your fatigue is being caused by the coronavirus, do not waste time, isolate yourself and get yourself tested immediately. Early detection is one of the best ways to keep yourself safe from the most harmful effects of Covid-19.
Also Read: Felty Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Research-Backed Treatment Options
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Working in shifts involves following a schedule that differs from the traditional Monday to Friday, 9-5 workdays. It’s when workdays are divided into shifts covering the entire 24 hours with employees working in the evening, overnight or early morning shifts. All living beings including plants and animals have a natural, internal physiological process called the circadian rhythm that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours.
Shift schedules, especially in individuals working night shifts or rotational shifts, tend to go against this internal body clock or the Circadian rhythm resulting in what can be termed as the ”Shift Work Disorder Syndrome” which predisposes them to a higher risk of sleep disturbances including trouble in falling asleep, staying asleep and sleeping when desired. Such individuals often become Night owls and get less than 6 hours of sleep on their working days. They are continually sleep deprived and over time turn into insomniacs. They are more likely to be easily awakened by noises and tend to have very light sleep. Not only this, but disruption of the Circadian rhythm can also affect a person’s health, exposing him/her to hormonal imbalances and Metabolic Syndrome disorders like obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that can affect people who work nontraditional hours. It causes issues with falling asleep, staying asleep and sleepiness at unwanted times. It’s treatable with lifestyle changes, light therapy and/or medication.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
We know for a fact that shift work causes sleep problems, along with affecting your performance and overall wellbeing. However, there are a few tips you can use to improve your sleep and decrease the negative effects of shift work.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
