Are you just tired or is it something more serious? Here’s what to look for

“Fatigue is one of the most common concerns I see in patients,” says Aslam. “The key distinction between ‘normal fatigue’ and fatigue that requires further evaluation is its impact on daily life.” You should consider what is normal for you. If the severity or duration of your fatigue changes or you begin to experience related symptoms, this may be a signal that you are in the fatigue danger zone.

Maybe you begin to have difficulty performing your usual tasks, begin to rely on daytime naps, or remain fatigued despite getting adequate rest. “These factors indicate that your fatigue is not normal and needs to be controlled,” warns Aslam. “Any accompanying symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, shortness of breath, night sweats, or mood changes are additional red flags.”

While fatigue can affect anyone, he notes that it tends to be more common in older people, “who are more likely to have multiple health problems, have more profound nutritional deficiencies, and are taking medications that contribute to fatigue.” “However, prolonged or unexplained fatigue at any age deserves attention and should encourage consultation with a physician.” It describes a period of “prolonged fatigue” that lasts four weeks or longer.

There are many health problems where fatigue is the main symptom.

Diabetes

Estimated in Australia one in 20 people living with diagnosed diabetes, but probably not Underestimating the true prevalence of the disease. The UK is massively lagging behind when it comes to diagnosing diabetes. According to a recent study. It is estimated that less than three-quarters of people with diabetes in the UK are diagnosed, while across all high-income countries the average rate is 79.5 per cent.

warning signs

Feeling tired is one of the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes. If you are experiencing this condition, are also urinating more than usual, are constantly thirsty, and are losing weight without trying, Aslam recommends seeing your doctor.

Cancer

Although different cancers have specific symptoms, fatigue is very common in people with this disease. Research shows that 65 out of 100 people with cancer complain of fatigue. It may be a symptom of the cancer itself or a side effect of treatment.

Loading

A cancer that affects your hormone levels (such as breast or prostate cancer) can cause fatigue because the imbalances disrupt the body’s ability to regulate energy. Blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma affect the bone marrow, making it difficult for your body to produce healthy blood cells. This can also cause fatigue.

warning signs

“If there is an underlying condition, fatigue often goes hand in hand with other symptoms,” says Aslam. “In case of cancer, night sweats are a frequent accompanying problem.” If you are experiencing these symptoms or any other changes that are not normal for you and that you worry may be a sign of cancer, then you should seek medical attention.

Arthritis

People with arthritis often experience severe and unbearable fatigue.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in Australia and the United Kingdom, and most often develops in people aged 40 and over. It usually presents with joint pain, stiffness, and problems moving the joint. All of these symptoms can lead to inactivity, stress, and poor sleep; The common result of these is fatigue.

In people with rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system targets the affected joints, causing pain and swelling. This can cause fatigue as the body tries to cope with the release of inflammatory cytokines (proteins) in the blood.

warning signs

Although there are many different types of arthritis and each has its own unique symptoms, if you are tired and suffering from joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, limited joint movement, weakness or inflammation then it is worth a trip to the GP.

thyroid disorders

About 1 in 20 people have some form of the disease Thyroid disorder in Australia and England. “An underactive or overactive thyroid disrupts metabolism and energy levels,” says Aslam.

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) occurs when the butterfly-shaped gland in your neck does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which are important for regulating heart rate and body temperature. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) occurs when it produces too much of these hormones.

warning signs

If you are feeling extremely tired, feeling colder than usual, gaining weight, experiencing constipation and trouble concentrating, you may have an underactive thyroid and you should have your symptoms checked by a GP.

If you struggle with irritability and anxiety, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, as well as constant fatigue and fatigue, your thyroid may be overactive. Once again we see that these symptoms require investigation by the general practitioner.

mental health conditions

Aslam says fatigue is a common symptom of many mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, it is accepted that up to 95 percent of patients will experience fatigue as a symptom of depression, according to a 2023 study published in European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Loading

Stress triggers the nervous system to go into “fight or flight” mode, causing the body to release chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline. While these hormones give us energy to cope with stressors in the short term, the body’s stress response can cause fatigue and exhaustion after a long period of time.

warning signs

If you feel tired all the time and experience persistent low mood, irritability, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, obsessive thoughts, shortness of breath, feeling sick and pain for a long period of time or have difficulty coping with these, you should consult your doctor.

This list is by no means comprehensive, as there are hundreds of conditions that list fatigue as a significant symptom. Aslam reiterates that if you’re tired all the time, don’t know why, and it’s affecting your daily life, you should seek medical help.

Talking to your doctor about fatigue

Aslam says it’s important to establish the baseline when evaluating a patient with fatigue. “I ask them about their daily living activities [ADLs – the basic, self-care tasks we do to stay alive and well, such as eating, bathing, and dressing]”Whether they can still do these things as usual, whether their sleep patterns have changed, and one of the biggest clues is whether they normally nap during the day.”

It is important to understand what has changed in the patient’s daily life and how this affects his work, family life, social life and mood.

“The extent of a person’s fatigue often goes hand in hand with the severity of mood changes,” he says.

Telegraph, London

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every monday.