Chronic fatigue – causes, treatment and prevention

Chronic Fatigue

Tiredness and physical exhaustion are normal, because this is the only way for the body to find rest However, some people are not fit despite sleeping and longer periods of rest and complain about chronic tiredness or chronic exhaustion .

What is chronic fatigue?

When chronic fatigue is present, the body constantly needs to sleep . In addition, chronic fatigue can come from a variety of causes and can contribute to a tremendous loss of quality of life.

Chronic fatigue is characterized by a constant lack of mental and physical energy, which cannot be corrected by sleep or rest. If this condition persists for more than half a year, the term chronic fatigue is appropriate.

Other names for this condition are Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CMS). Chronic fatigue must be differentiated from burnout syndrome and represents an independent set of symptoms.

causes

The causes of chronic fatigue are very diverse and have not yet been fully researched. If chronic fatigue develops, either microorganisms such as viruses , fungi or allergens can be responsible. There is no relationship between an unbalanced diet and chronic fatigue in terms of vitamin and nutrient deficiency .

Chronic fatigue can occur as a side effect of various mental illnesses or be triggered by prolonged physical and mental stress . Some acute or recurring physical illnesses are also responsible for chronic fatigue.

These can be hormonal disorders , some autoimmune diseases, diseases of individual organs such as the lungs, heart, thyroid, liver or kidneys, and low blood pressure. Anemia (low blood count), dehydration due to insufficient fluid intake and age-related physical degradation can also trigger chronic fatigue.

Diseases

When to the doctor?

In the case of chronic fatigue, it is important to keep an eye on the extent. Because as soon as chronic fatigue exceeds the critical point, it is advisable to consult a doctor. This is reached as soon as the everyday life of those affected is massively impaired. As soon as the consequences of fatigue affect work performance so severely that the workplace is endangered, a doctor should be consulted urgently. Alarm signs are missed deadlines, warnings from the boss or customer complaints.

If the partnership is impaired or its stability is even endangered, the doctor must also be consulted. The partner often feels neglected when there is no sexual desire due to a lack of energy or joint activities are canceled by those affected. If those affected have children, chronic fatigue is a serious issue anyway, since side effects such as burnout can occur.

Depressive moods can also trigger chronic fatigue. Before the patient slips into depression, it is important to see a doctor. A thorough examination can often determine what is causing the constant tiredness. In some cases, vitamin or iron deficiencies are the only culprits. However, to be on the safe side, it is definitely worth speaking to your family doctor.

diagnosis and course

When diagnosing chronic fatigue, the information provided by the patient is important. Chronic fatigue is characterized by a persistent feeling of exhaustion and powerlessness. Those affected can hardly cope with their everyday life, withdraw more and more and limit themselves.

Chronic fatigue forces them to give up their job, partnerships and other daily activities become torture. Chronic fatigue reduces the ability to concentrate and resilience to a minimum, so that work that has started has to be postponed rather than completed.

The patients, who have to go through a difficult path of suffering due to chronic fatigue, also appear exhausted and exhausted to the outside world. Suddenly changing moods , irritability and a depressed mood can manifest as a result of chronic fatigue.

Chronic fatigue often occurs together with sleep disorders and memory impairments as well as a variety of painful complaints. The diagnostics that reveal chronic fatigue include examinations of the organs and the daily environment. A clarification in the sleep laboratory can also be useful with regard to sleep disorders in chronic fatigue.

complications

Chronic fatigue can lead to various complications. In severe cases, the general daily routine is affected in such a way that the patient is unable to adequately perform his daily duties. The well-being, level of performance and motivation are reduced overall. The increased need for sleep makes it difficult to pursue a professional activity. The result is a disability.

In addition, there may be an impairment of social obligations within the family and the immediate environment. Disagreements, misunderstandings and conflicts are the result. Due to the reduced participation in everyday tasks, there can be a reduction in social contacts. There is a risk of psychosomatic illnesses that can lead to a reduction in self-confidence and, in severe cases, melancholy or depression. Chronic fatigue caused by a lack of minerals can lead to other organic problems. Failures and malfunctions occur.

Tiredness can indicate a side effect or intolerance when taking medication. This should be followed up to avoid further symptoms. Chronic fatigue is associated with reduced regeneration. In addition to the psychological, psychosocial and organic complications, there is also a risk of mental impairment. Due to the reduced performance, the affected person is less able to acquire new knowledge or improve skills.

treatment and therapy

Chronic fatigue can be treated more or less successfully with various therapy concepts. These concepts are either based on individually carried out measures or a complex of approaches from naturopathy, conventional medicine or home remedies. In addition, so-called order therapy can be effective against chronic fatigue.

This treatment includes physical activation, restructuring of everyday life and various relaxation methods. The use of side-effect-free herbal remedies is also recommended against chronic fatigue.

Conventional medical specialists can also offer helpful therapies for hypersomnia . In this context, the respective causal triggers are treated. These can be shown in imaging procedures and treated with medication. Special objectives against chronic fatigue are mainly the elimination of a sleep deficit, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

In addition, depressive states and anxiety disorders are tackled, which are usually associated with sleep disorders. On this basis, treatment of sleep apnea can be implemented, which can be responsible for chronic fatigue during the day. If there is a so-called daytime sleepiness, various drugs and relaxation techniques are also used. These treatment variants are accompanied by a reduction in physical obesity . Getting rid of underweight can also fix chronic fatigue.

outlook and prognosis

The chances of recovery and the course of the disease in chronic fatigue depend on the cause. In some cases, it can take years to see improvement. If there is a deficiency of minerals or trace elements, a blood test will provide information. The regular supply of the missing element leads to an improvement and healing of the symptoms.

If the chronic fatigue is based on a mental illness, it must be treated and cured in order for the chronic fatigue to go away. In many cases there are fluctuations in the course of the disease or a very slow improvement. If medication is the trigger for chronic fatigue, the symptoms only reduce when the drug is discontinued. This should never be done without consulting a doctor, as there is a risk of further health problems.

For some people, chronic fatigue may be due to poor sleep conditions. Breathing pauses during the night as well as restless or interrupted sleep lead to fatigue. A change in the sleeping conditions and a treatment for the breathing problems bring about a healing of the problems and thus a positive outlook. Chronic fatigue often occurs in a stressful and very strenuous phase of life. The reasons for this are varied and individual. The symptoms improve as soon as the challenges have been overcome and normality returns.

prevention

In order not to suffer from chronic fatigue, it is important to ensure a healthy lifestyle, to learn to deal better with daily stress and not to take in toxic substances (even unconsciously). A balanced diet with lots of vitamins and minerals , regular physical exercise and an appropriate intake of fluids are relevant to prevent chronic fatigue.

In addition, prevention of chronic fatigue lies in sufficient and, if possible, restful sleep as well as a special coping strategy for individual problems. Factors that promote addictive substances and sleep disorders should be avoided in order to avoid chronic fatigue. The correct intake of prescribed drugs for certain pre-existing conditions is also helpful to arm yourself against chronic fatigue.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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