Chronic fatigue symptoms : Causes and solutions

By: Marc Deschamps

Copyright 2005 Marc Deschamps

Chronic fatigue symptoms are different from drowsiness. In
general, drowsiness is feeling the need to sleep, while fatigue
is a lack of energy and motivation. Drowsiness and apathy (a
feeling of indifference or not caring about what happens) can be
symptoms of fatigue. Fatigue is a feeling of weariness,
tiredness, or lack of energy.

Fatigue can be a normal and important response to physical
exertion, emotional stress, boredom, or lack of sleep. However,
it can also be a nonspecific sign of a more serious
psychological or physical disorder. When fatigue is not relieved
by enough sleep, good nutrition, or a low-stress environment, it
should be evaluated by your doctor. Because fatigue is a common
complaint, sometimes a potentially serious cause may be
overlooked.

The pattern of chronic fatigue symptoms may help your doctor
determine its underlying cause. For example, if you wake up in
the morning rested but rapidly develop fatigue with activity,
you may have an ongoing physical condition like an underactive
thyroid. On the other hand, if you wake up with a low level of
energy and have fatigue that lasts throughout the day, you may
be depressed.



Common Causes of chronic fatigue symptoms

There are many possible physical and psychological causes of
chronic fatigue symptoms. Some of the more common are:

-Anemia (including iron deficiency anemia) -Sleep disorders like
ongoing insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or narcolepsy
-Ongoing pain -An allergy that leads to hay fever or asthma -An
underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) -Use of alcohol or illegal
drugs like cocaine, especially with regular use -Depression or
grief

Chronic fatigue symptoms can also accompany the following
illnesses:

-Infection, especially one that takes a long time to recover
from or treat, like bacterial endocarditis (infection of the
heart muscle or valves), parasitic infections, AIDS,
tuberculosis, and mononucleosis -Congestive heart failure
-Diabetes -Chronic liver or kidney disease -Addison's disease
-Anorexia or other eating disorders -Arthritis, including
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which affects children and teens
-Autoimmune diseases such as lupus -Malnutrition -Cancer

Certain medications may also cause drowsiness or fatigue,
including antihistamines for allergies, blood pressure
medicines, sleeping pills, steroids, and diuretics.



Home Care for Chronic fatigue symptoms

Here are some tips for reducing Chronic fatigue symptoms :

-Get adequate, regular, and consistent amounts of sleep each
night. -Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and drink plenty of
water throughout the day. -Exercise regularly. -Learn better
ways to relax. Try yoga or meditation. -Maintain a reasonable
work and personal schedule. -Change your stressful
circumstances, if possible. For example, switch jobs, take a
vacation, and deal directly with problems in a relationship.
-Take a multivitamin. Talk to your doctor about what is best for
you. -Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and drug use. -Consider a natural
remedy.

About the author:
Marc Deschamps is the editor of Health Longevity Magazine, a
free online publication, featuring articles full of information
on various health topics such as common diseases, immune
support, cardiac, mental & sexual health plus appropriate
solutions to help you find the road to health longevity. Other
articles on diseases and the immune system can be found at
http://www.health-longevity-magazine.com/strengthen-the-immune-sy
stem.html