What is fatigue?

Fatigue is complex, and has biological, psychological, and behavioral causes. It is a very common condition for people with HIV. Untreated it can make HIV disease progress faster. It is one of the most common symptoms of MS, occurring in about 80% of people. It is often a term incorrectly inferred when an individual notices certain symptoms. It is also one of the most common symptoms associated with cancer.

Fatigue is the most common symptom experienced by cancer patients. It was more prevalent among females, unemployed patients, non-whites, younger patients, and those currently receiving chemotherapy. It is the most common side effect or unwanted change in your body reported by patients on chemotherapy treatment. It was the most common side effect of cancer therapy, reported by 79% of respondents. Fatigue is the principal side effect of interferon and ribavirin therapy.

Fatigue can have a negative effect on your mood, physical functioning, attention, concentration, memory and communication. It can have one cause, or it may be caused by a combined effect of many factors. It can be caused by many different factors. It may be influenced by a number of factors, including biological , behavioral and psychological determinants. It is a critical component in the human factors chain of events, hence the need for management systems.

Fatigue is not CFS

Fatigue is a symptom-not a disease-and should not be confused with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). It can be managed to some degree by identifying fatigue triggers and adopting strategies to reduce them. It is different from drowsiness. CFS is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue of six months or longer duration that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity. Persons with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) most often function at a substantially lower level of activity than they were capable of before the onset of illness. In addition to these key defining characteristics, patients report various nonspecific symptoms, including weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory and/or mental concentration, insomnia and fatigue lasting more than 24 hours. In some cases, chronic fatigue syndrome can persist for years.

Affect of fatigue on the body

Fatigue may have a profound effect on daily activities for cancer patients and warrants early identification and treatment. It can be caused by cancer or by any of the treatments used to treat it. It may also be the result of one or more environmental causes such as inadequate rest, improper diet, work and home stressors, or poor physical conditioning, or one symptom of a chronic medical condition or disease process in the body. Heart disease, low blood pressure, diabetes, end-stage renal disease, iron-deficiency anemia, narcolepsy, and cancer can cause long-term, ongoing fatigue symptoms. Acute illnesses such as viral and bacterial infections can also trigger temporary feelings of exhaustion. In addition, mental disorders such as depression can also cause fatigue.

While you recognise obtaining information of fatigue is important, it’s taking action that is the key. Information is only potential power; you need to do something with the information. For a series of free videos and articles have a look at this fatigue link (you won’t even have to sign up to anything).

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