Is Fatigue a Medical Condition?

A feeling of tiredness or listlessness often troubles us. This exhaustion can result from an overwork of body muscles or the brain. Yet if this feeling of listlessness or weariness persists it may be a symptom of some underlying medical problems.

Physical Fatigue- This kind of fatigue is normally due to the inability of the muscles to perform to its full potential. Muscle disorder can be confirmed by testing the individual muscles. Exhaustion of the entire body is due to central disorder whereas particular muscles are involved in localized fatigue.

Mental Fatigue- Extreme lassitude or unwillingness to do any work are normally manifestations of mental fatigue. Sometimes it may be accompanied by a feeling of drowsiness. Wavering of concentration and reduced consciousness of the surroundings are also signifies mental fatigue. In case of psychological problems like depression, the patient refuses to move at all for long periods of time. However, diseases of the brain must be ruled out before psychological causes are ascertained to mental fatigue.

Common Reasons for Fatigue- Fatigue is not always a symptom of disease. It may be caused by overwork, sleeplessness, boredom etc. Jet lag is one of the commonest causes of fatigue or tiredness.
Poisoning or mineral and vitamin deficiency may  give rise to fatigue. Blood loss on a massive scale also results in fatigue.

Diseases- Temporary fatigue does not pose any threat to the well being of a human being. It can be successfully reversed by adequate rest and relaxation. Long bouts of fatigue, specially for six months or more may be a cause for concern.

Patients with Blood disorders like anemia, leukemia, hematoma, lymphoma etc complain of extreme fatigue as their condition progresses. Psychological diseases like anxiety and depression often leave the patients extremely fatigued and under stress. Physical injury as well as muscular dystrophy, heart diseases, lead poisoning and cancer all show symptoms of fatigue.