Fatigue is a feeling of exhaustion that makes you feel as if you do not have enough energy to do anything. It can happen suddenly and last for several days. Brooklyn fatigue can be caused by a medical condition, such as anemia, or it may be due to stress. Either way, getting treatment for the underlying cause is vital so you can feel better quickly and avoid more severe conditions.
The list of medical conditions that can cause fatigue is long and varied, but most are not life-threatening. However, if you are fatigued all the time, it may be a sign of serious underlying health problems.
If you have fatigue that does not seem to go away even with rest, you should consult your doctor. You may have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a form of ME/CFS. You could also have other serious illnesses like cancer or depression.
Here are some other common conditions that can cause fatigue:
Low blood sugar
When the body does not have enough energy to function normally, it breaks down muscle tissue and fat cells to produce glucose (sugar) for fuel. This process is known as ketosis. If you have low blood sugar, your brain may feel fatigued because of the lack of oxygen it receives when the body breaks down its tissues for energy.
High blood pressure or heart disease
High blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart and circulatory system, leading to fatigue due to increased stress on your body’s systems. Heart disease may also cause fatigue if it damages other organs such as the kidneys or liver, both of which play a role in producing energy for your muscles and nerves.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
This vitamin helps keep the nervous system healthy and supports brain function. It also promotes energy production in cells of the body’s muscles, skin, and nerves. If you’re deficient in vitamin B12, you may feel weak and tired because it’s needed to produce energy for these tissues. Doctors can diagnose Vitamin B12 deficiency through blood tests or by taking an oral reading of your blood levels. You may need to take supplements with high potency B vitamins if you have this condition.
Diabetes
Diabetes can tire you because your body has trouble producing the energy needed to sustain muscle activity. You may also experience extreme fatigue if you have Type 1 diabetes or take insulin or multiple oral medications to treat diabetes.
Anemia
Anemia is an inability to get enough oxygen into your body because of low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin. That can make you feel weak and tired. If you have anemia, you may also experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
Cushing syndrome (overproduction of cortisone)
This condition occurs when steroid hormones like cortisol levels become too high for long periods, causing bodily changes such as weight gain and muscle weakness. Cushing syndrome often leads to fatigue because it causes changes in metabolism that create energy shortages in many tissues and organs.
Fatigue is a symptom of many medical conditions and can affect your ability to function at home or work. It can also cause you to be less productive, which can lead to falling behind on essential tasks. If you find yourself getting fatigued easily, you must contact your doctor immediately so that they can determine the cause of your fatigue and help you recover from it. Contact New York Medical and Vascular Care physicians and book an appointment with a doctor to learn more about fatigue and available treatment options.