Fatigue
Fatigue can be hard to define, since everyone has their own idea of what being tired means.
However, fatigue is a feeling of tiredness, exhaustion or a need to rest because of a lack of energy
or strength. Fatigue is a symptom not a disease.
While the lack of sleep is the most common cause of fatigue, it can also be caused by a wide range
of illnesses and diseases. In such cases, a person usually finds that they suddenly or gradually need
more rest and sleep.
Causes of fatigue
The following conditions are common causes of fatigue, although there are many other reasons
someone may be fatigued.
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Anemia: Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or their oxygencarrying capacity is insufficient to meet the body’s needs. Iron deficiency is the most
common cause of anemia, although other conditions can cause anemia.
Infections: Fatigue is very common when someone has an infection.
Depression: If you are depressed or experiencing abnormal amounts of stress, it is
common to be tired.
Stress: When someone is facing an increased amount of stress, which is common with
serious illnesses, fatigue is common. Identifying stressors and eliminating them is important.
Cancer: Most forms of cancer cause fatigue.
Metabolism: For people with a low metabolism rate (when the body is slow to turn food
into energy), fatigue can become extreme. A high metabolism rate can also cause fatigue. In
such cases, a high pulse rate makes it difficult to rest and leads to tiredness.
Illnesses: Illnesses, such a cold or the flu can also cause fatigue, which usually goes away as
the illness clears up. Other illnesses that do not go away, such as diabetes may also cause
fatigue.
Treatments: Often times, treatments such as chemotherapy may be the reason for fatigue.
Side effects of these treatments can be treated to help restore energy.
Pain: When you are experiencing pain, fatigue commonly develops. Controlling pain may
reduce your fatigue.
Medications: Your medications may also cause exhaustion and fatigue. Which medications
cause fatigue is often individual, although the Arbor Palliative Care team may be able to
identify a likely source. Often times, the problem can be solved by reducing the dose or
changing to a different medication.
There are often complex relationships between these causes of fatigue. Fatigue can cause
depression and vice versa, so it is important to identify the source of fatigue and treat it.
Overcoming Fatigue
Although it may be challenging, the best way to avoid and eliminate fatigue is by maintaining a good
diet and getting plenty of sleep. Fatigue associated with a serious illness is common because the
brain tells the body to conserve energy to fight the illness. Unfortunately, with a serious illness, the
body never fully cures the illness and many of its symptoms remain. However, fatigue is a symptom
that can be relieved. Fatigue caused by stress is relieved when the stress is relieved. A review of
your medications may help identify a source of fatigue.
Arbor Hospice can help you identify stressors, medications or other factors causing stress, and
recommend ways to relieve them.