Fatigue

Fatigue is a common ailment; in fact, it is one of the most commonly reported health conditions in the U.S. Other names for fatigue include: exhaustion, weariness, lethargy, tiredness, lack of energy, lack of sleep, or even apathy. Fatigue is difficult to define, however, because it is associated with a wide variety of health conditions. In many cases, however, it is treatable.

Causes and Symptoms

Some of the causes of fatigue are:

  • stress, depression, anxiety or grief;
  • problems sleeping (too much/too little sleep, sleep apnea, alcohol, changes in work shifts, etc.);
  • heart and lung diseases;
  • nutritional disorders (like malnutrition, vitamin deficiency or obesity);
  • lack of, or too much, exercise;
  • cancer;
  • infectious diseases (like hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, mononucleosis or urinary tract infections);
  • disorders of the bodily systems (diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, peptic ulcers, multiple sclerosis, stroke, fibromyalgia, lupus, arthritis, etc);
  • prescription medications and narcotics.

Many people struggle with fatigue and simply fail to see a professional about having it treated. It can seriously affect every area of a person’s physical, mental and spiritual well-being, including overall health, relationships, work habits and ability to enjoy life. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

  • dizziness;
  • shortness of breath;
  • loss of consciousness, or feeling like you will pass out;
  • feeling tired, exhausted or weak;
  • heart palpitations (can you feel your heart beat?).

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is an illness characterized primarily by fatigue. It, however, is much more far-reaching in its effects. CFS is debilitating, severely impairing a person’s functionality at work, home and school. In some, CFS is as disabling as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or heart disease, though it typically runs in a cyclical pattern, leaving a person see-sawing between periods of feeling well and feeling ill. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines CFS as “unexplained, persistent fatigue that occurs for six months or more along with at least four of the eight primary signs and symptoms” listed below:

  • unexplained muscle pain;
  • sore throat;
  • joint pain that has no corresponding swolleness or redness;
  • painful/tender/enlarged lymph nodes;
  • problems with concentration or memory loss;
  • sleep disturbances;
  • headaches;
  • increased fatigue, even sickness, that lasts more than 24 hours following physical or mental exertion.

Other symptoms commonly found in people suffering from CFS include: chills or night sweats, problems keeping your balance, irritable bowel, increased sensitivity to light, uncharacteristic allergies to foods, medications, odors or noises, jaw pain, morning stiffness and mental/emotional disturbances (panic attacks, irritability, mood swings). CFS has no clear cause, though current research suggests that iron deficiency (anemia), hypoglycemia, viral infections (like Epstein-Barr), immune system dysfunctions, depression, mild low blood pressure or hormonal changes can be possible triggers of CFS.

Treatments

There are many medical treatments for fatigue, ranging from iron supplements to antibiotics. For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, medications are typically prescribed to treat low blood pressure, allergy symptoms or nervous system problems. There are natural approaches, however, to treating fatigue and CFS. Here at Immune Recovery and Wellness, we offer:

  • lifestyle coaching to help you moderate your daily activity and build in appropriate forms of exercise;
  • cognitive behavior therapy to help you identify and remove emotional or mental obstacles to healing;
  • acupuncture and massage;
  • transformational breathing and movement techniques, such as yoga;
  • and more.