

Fatigue, common symptom for 8 diseases
Why does fatigue occur?
Every time a disease is triggered in the body, the immune system uses a lot of energy to fight against it.
This makes us feel tired and thus explains why fatigue is a common symptom of many diseases.
Fatigue is a very complicated concept.
There are many ways to measure how tired we are, depending on how we sleep, how much we exercise, or how tired we are during the night.
Fatigue can be purely physical or it can be emotional or psychological.
Stress can really reduce energy levels.
Note: This guide gives you suggestions about possible illnesses that fatigue may indicate. If you feel tired, you should see a doctor and explain the exact symptoms you have for a professional diagnosis.
8 of the most common diseases that share the symptom of fatigue:
- Thyroid hyper/hypoactivity
The thyroid is a small gland found at the base of the neck. Its function is to regulate the body’s immune system and energy levels. Among the diseases most related to fatigue as a main symptom, thyroid hyperactivity is one of the most common. Other symptoms other than fatigue that can help you identify this disease include: cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation and weight gain. - Renal failure
This is the second disease that a doctor investigates when he encounters a patient who complains of constant fatigue. The disease occurs when the adrenal glands malfunction, resulting in a lack of cortisol. Other symptoms associated with this disease may include: weight loss, diarrhea; skin hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin) confusion or abdominal pain. - Chronic fatigue syndrome
This disease is characterized by debilitating fatigue, where almost any task or ordinary activity can seem like an impossible nightmare. About a quarter of all people with this disease spend more time in bed. Chronic fatigue syndrome can be caused by excessive inflammation as a result of light activities. Other symptoms associated with this disease include slow thinking, lack of concentration, muscle pain and lethargy. - Anemia
When the blood has insufficient healthy blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, this condition is called anemia. Anemia comes in many different forms, but they all cause fatigue. There are several types of anemia that are caused by dietary deficiencies and can be easily prevented and treated to replenish the body’s iron and B vitamin stores. Other symptoms that may indicate anemia in addition to fatigue include: brittle nails, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, headache, and paleness. - Diabetes
When someone has diabetes, their body works overtime trying to manage blood glucose levels. Key symptoms that can help diagnose this disease include fatigue. Other symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst and frequent urination. - Clinical depression
Although depression is a difficult condition to define medically, it is undoubtedly related to an almost permanent state of fatigue. Sadness makes it difficult to muster up the energy needed to carry out our usual tasks. Other symptoms that may indicate psychological problems also include a loss of appetite and trouble concentrating. - Endocarditis / Myocarditis
Endocarditis is an inflammation or infection of the heart. This occurs because bacteria travel through the blood and attach to the inner lining of the heart. People who have artificial heart valves and those with heart damage are at the highest risk of suffering from this disease. Treatments for this disease include antimicrobial therapy and possibly surgery. Other symptoms to look out for in endocarditis include fatigue, chills, and fever. - Sleep apnea syndrome
Sleep apnea syndrome is a health condition that can occur at any age and affects approximately 4% of men, 2% of women and 0.7% of children worldwide. To sleep well, one of the things we need is a consistent breathing pattern. When this is interrupted by prolonged pauses in breathing during the night, sleep can be disrupted and cause fatigue during the day. Apnea is not a life-threatening condition, but it certainly affects health by lowering energy levels. Apnea is the cessation of airflow through the nose and mouth during sleep for at least 10 seconds. The effects can be exacerbated when combined with another disease.
