Fatigue is a common complaint about 6 to 7.5 percent of the US population with an estimated annual cost of more than $136 billion to employers in lost production time.
There are three components of clinical fatigue:
- a perception of generalized weakness affecting the ability to initiate activity
- easy fatigability reducing capacity to maintain activity
- and mental fatigue affecting concentration, memory, and emotional stability
There are three categories of fatigue:
- recent fatigue for symptoms lasting less than one month
- prolonged fatigue for symptoms lasting greater than one month
- chronic fatigue when symptoms lasting greater than six months
Potential causes of fatigue include lack of quality and/or quantity of sleep; medications, either prescribed or over the counter; recreational drug use including alcohol; hormonal imbalances such as thyroid disease or menopause; hematological disorders such as anemia; poor physical and nutritional condition; lack of exercise; and obesity.
Other possible causes are cardiopulmonology diseases such as congestive heart failure or emphysema; neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease; and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, somatoform disorder, and substance abuse.
Fatigue can affect every one of us at any point in our life. With increased demands on our time along with the normal stress of work and home, our rest time is decreased. contact your health care provider if your symptoms persist and affect your quality of life. a thorough examination may reveal underlying cause(s) and appropriate treatment may be rendered. sometimes a vitamin and mineral supplement and a lifestyle change are all that is needed
