Fatigue is defined as a feeling of a lack of energy. It is also known as lethargy, weariness, tiredness or exhaustion. Fatigue is not drowsiness but rather the desire to sleep. This is a very common complaint but hard to figure out since it is a symptom that is apart of many conditions.

Who Suffers From Fatigue?

This is a very common disorder or symptom. 20% of Americans claim that they suffer from fatigue enough that it interferes with their normal everyday routine. Physical conditions account for 20-60% of all fatigue cases and the remaining 40-80% are due to emotional causes.

Symptoms of Fatigue

There are many symptoms of fatigue. The most common of course is feeling tired but here is a list of other symptoms that may indicate fatigue.

• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Passing out or feeling like you are going to
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Vertigo
• Shortness of Breath

Causes of Fatigue

The most common cause of fatigue is a disturbance in sleep patterns. Not getting enough sleep, getting too much sleep, shift work or changing sleep times, sleep apnea, and the use of alcohol can all cause a disturbance in your regular sleep pattern.

Fatigue can also be a symptom of another more serious underlying disease or condition. Here are a few conditions that can cause fatigue:
Heart disease, Lung diseases, Obesity, Vitamin deficiency, Diabetes, Acid reflux, Mononucleosis, and even pregnancy to name a few. These all have the potential to cause fatigue.

It can be difficult to find the root cause of fatigue since so many people are affected by it and usually not obvious. Another possible cause of fatigue is depression, anxiety or even stress. These can account for a large number of fatigue cases.

Over the Counter Treatments for Fatigue

There are over the counter sleep aids that can help if your symptom of fatigue is lack of sleep. These sleep aids can help you get to sleep and stay asleep for the recommended time. The use of vitamins can also have a positive effect on those who suffer from fatigue. Getting over the counter vitamins to increase iron and B12 and other B vitamins is a great place to start.

Alternative Treatments for Fatigue

Increasing exercise is one alternative to help cure fatigue. This can help relieve stress and make sleeping more restful. This can also help people to lose weight which can be a factor in fatigue.

Changing Diet can also help. By adding in more fruits and vegetables and making sure you are eating a well balanced diet can also improve fatigue since lack of vitamins is a causative factor. A diet can also be used to control diabetes which can also be a cause of fatigue.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

You should make an appointment to see your medical professional if you are experiencing fatigue that comes on suddenly, fatigue that does not go away with adequate sleep and decreased stress. If you have other unexplained symptoms along with the fatigue such as changes in weight, menstrual periods, or pain in the chest , abdomen, or head.

Immediate medical attention is required if your fatigue causes you to pass out, if you have strong chest pains, shortness of breath, bleeding, irregular heart beats or fast heart beat, severe pain along with fatigue or if others in your household or location are also suffering from fatigue.