Extreme Fatigue
Extreme fatigue is a feeling of being constantly tired, often without any obvious explanation.
What is extreme fatigue?
Extreme fatigue is a symptom which is characterised by constant tiredness. It has a number of possible causes, some of which we will outline in the section below. This persistent fatigue can involve missing a lot of sleep, or waking up feeling that you have not had a proper night's sleep. Extreme fatigue can have an impact on your daily life, meaning you struggle to go about day to day tasks, and might not be as productive at work.
What causes extreme fatigue?
Among the most possible causes of extreme fatigue are; allergies, such as allergic rhinitis; anemia, a common blood condition which is prevalent in women during childbearing years; depression and anxiety, including seasonal affective disorder, major depression and postpartum depression; fibromyalgia, which can cause chronic fatigue and musculoskeletal pain; food intolerance and food allergies; sleep apnea; heart diseases; hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid); and type 2 diabetes.
How is extreme fatigue assessed and what treatment will I need if I have extreme fatigue?
The method of diagnosis for extreme fatigue will depend on the nature and severity of the symptom. After asking questions about the nature of the symptom, the doctor will be best placed to test for any of the possible causes of extreme fatigue.
Once the cause of the extreme fatigue symptom has been identified, the correct treatment path can be determined. Treatments for allergies include oral and nasal antihistamines, as well as nasal steroids. Anaemia can be treated with iron supplements or vitamins, depending on the cause. Treatments for depression and anxiety include psychotherapy and medications such as anti-depressants.
Fibromyalgia can be treated with medication such as anti-depressants, anticonvulsants and pain relievers, acupuncture treatment, as well as physical therapy, yoga, other forms of exercise, and vitamins. Food intolerance and allergies are typically treated by elimination diets, which cut out certain foods which have been linked to intolerances and allergies.
Sleep apnea can be treated by lifestyle changes, and procedures such as implants, tissue shrinkage and jaw repositioning. Heart diseases have a range of potential treatments; from lifestyle changes which improve heart health to medication for cardiovascular conditions and surgical procedures. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include various medications, as well as anti-cytokine therapies and injections.
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