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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffTaking a quick inventory of the things that might be responsible for your fatigue is the first step toward relief. In general, most cases of fatigue may be attributed to three areas: lifestyle factors, psychological problems or medical conditions.
Lifestyle factors
Feelings of fatigue often have an obvious cause, such as:
- Alcohol use or abuse
- Caffeine use
- Excessive physical activity
- Inactivity
- Lack of sleep
- Medications, such as antihistamines, cough and cold remedies, prescription pain medications, heart medications, blood pressure medications, and some antidepressants
- Unhealthy eating habits
Psychological problems
Fatigue is a common symptom of mental health problems, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression (major depression)
- Grief
- Stress
Medical conditions
Unrelenting exhaustion may be a sign of a medical condition or underlying illness, such as:
- Acute liver failure
- Anemia
- Cancer
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Chronic kidney failure
- COPD
- Emphysema
- Heart disease
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Medications, such as prescription pain medications, heart medications, blood pressure medications and some antidepressants
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Recovery from major surgery
- Restless legs syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
- LeGrand SB. Fatigue. In: Walsh D, et al. Palliative Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/205836455-3/0/2038/166.html?tocnode=57251146&fromURL=166.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05674-8..50165-1_2909. Accessed June 15, 2010.
- Gonzales R, et al. Common symptoms. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2010. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=193. Accessed June 15, 2010.
- Rosenthal TC, et al. Fatigue: An overview. American Family Physician. 2008;78:1173.
- LeBlond RF, et al. Non-regional systems and diseases. In: LeBlond RF, et al. DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3659313. Accessed June 15, 2010.
- Fosnocht KM, et al. Approach to the adult patient with fatigue. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 16, 2010.
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