Life with COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease can be gruelling. Routine, simple activities such as going for a walk or folding away laundry can consume all your energy. COPD is a long-term, progressive lung disease that includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. This results in the narrowing of the airways, swelling of the air sacs in the lungs and difficulties in breathing.
The prevalence of COPD is so prominent that close to one individual is diagnosed with COPD every five minutes. COPD reduces airflow into your lungs, making the simple act of breathing difficult and arduous. Inevitably, the body tires easily. COPD fatigue is among the most experienced symptoms.
Recognised as the largest contributor to the commencement of COPD is smoking, with about 90% of all COPD cases traced back to this source. Cigarette and cigar smoking, along with passive smoking, can increase the risk of COPD. Living conditions, such as poor ventilation and exposure to environmental pollutants, indoor fumes and smoke, also play a critical role. Although not in significant numbers, genetic contributors have also been known to influence COPD.
COPD-related fatigue, for example, can be caused by factors such as oxygen deprivation, overall reduced strength and endurance and complications or comorbidities such as heart failure or depression. Fatigue is the second most common symptom patients with COPD report; however, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
COPD fatigue must be understood to battle it. The feeling of sluggishness occurs due to a series of reactions triggered by a lack of oxygen supply. Due to the body’s inability to inhale an adequate amount of oxygen, the onset of fatigue is quicker. With lower oxygen levels in the body, the person tends to lose stamina, avoid physical tasks and struggle with daily tasks. Depression and social disengagement are also COPD symptoms.
Since there is no proven cure for COPD, management is the best solution. Inhalers, too, are an optimal prescription to help ease easier breathing. They can help by widening airways or reducing swelling in the lungs. Almost immediately, one can notice a significant difference in the levels of oxygen in the body, as well as a revitalised mood and energy. Here are some easy lifestyle modifications recommended for COPD management:
Conscious breathing: Breathing exercises can help improve inhalation patterns and allow better oxygen circulation. Practising slow, calculated breathing through the lips can help relieve shortness of breath and drop carbon dioxide.
Nutrition is critical: Complex carbohydrates can help release energy slowly and protein-rich foods help build and maintain muscle tone. Multivitamins, taken after consulting your physician, can help increase energy levels. Limiting intake of artificially sweetened foods, foods rich in saturated fats and processed foods. This will help you feel lighter and more agile. Dietary fibres are another great source that can help regulate your digestive processes and keep you feeling fit and active.
Exercise, but with caution: This may be particularly hard for someone who is already battling fatigue, but exercise has proven benefits in circulating oxygen through the body. What’s more, exercise is a great mood enhancer and can help you feel more motivated to push yourself and feel emotionally stronger.
Treat comorbidities: COPD can frequently exist alongside other complications. Often, people with COPD may develop other health issues even when they do not have them. It is imperative that you get regular health check-ups and speak to your doctor about symptoms or problems you experience. Treatment options for conditions like sleep apnea can be found.
Schedule and plan ahead: Planning and optimal scheduling are crucial for COPD management. Adequate rest, breaking down larger activities into smaller achievable goals, can help manage the level of fatigue. Scheduling can also help prepare for emergencies, which can be exhausting both mentally and physically.
It is possible to maintain and improve the quality of life you enjoy with COPD fatigue. Work with your doctor to devise ways to enjoy a more active, fulfilling and healthy lifestyle.
Lung disease symptoms may make you afraid to exercise, but it’s actually good for your lungs, it is unlikely that pulmonary function limits a person’s ability to exercise, unless they have a disease that specifically impairs lung function such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
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Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Psoriatic arthritis is a kind of arthritis that affects people who have psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes red and scaly rashes on the skin and is more prevalent on the elbows, ankles, feet, knees, scalp and hands. Psoriasis can affect different parts of the body- skin, bones and joints, brain and nervous system, eyes and more.
If you have psoriatic arthritis, your immune system attacks its own healthy tissues and causes stiffness, swelling and pain in the joints. If left untreated, the inflammation can cause permanent damage to the tissues and joints and can be disabling.
This can affect any part of the body and can be either mild or severe. There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis and psoriatic arthritis treatments are mostly aimed at preventing joint damage and reducing the symptoms.
Psoriatic arthritis symptoms include, but are not limited to:
Psoriatic arthritis causes are autoimmune in nature, where the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissue and cells. Studies suggest that environmental and genetic factors play a role in the occurrence of psoriatic arthritis. People who suffer from this have a family history of either psoriatic arthritis or of psoriasis.
Physical trauma or some kind of virus or bacterial infection may also trigger psoriatic arthritis in people who are already susceptible to this disease. An unhealthy lifestyle, smoking and alcohol use also increases the risk.
Psoriatic arthritis treatment options may include one or more of the following:
There are some home remedies to follow that will ease the psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
Also Read: CRP Test vs ESR Test: Understanding the Differences and Significance
Psoriatic arthritis is linked with other complications and can cause issues like:
If you have been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, it is not the end of the world. While the disease has no permanent cure, proper treatment can ease the symptoms. The specialist one must consult for autoimmune disorders is a rheumatologist, along with an orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist. For any lesions on the skin, reach out to a dermatologist. Proper diagnosis and treatment, along with healthy lifestyle modifications, can help you manage psoriasis with ease.
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Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
The moment we feel low on energy or tired, we turn to caffeinated drinks or energy bars to perk up ourselves. A cup of coffee, a can of energy drink, a granola bar or some sugary snack looks so appealing when we are tired. But do these choices help? Doctors and nutritionists believe that they may provide initial energy high but soon the levels plummet, and we end up feeling more tired than before.
You are what you eat. So, if you want to be healthy, you will have to ditch the more popular snacking options and make intelligent food choices.
Did you know?
Before we check out foods to fight fatigue, let’s understand some of the most common causes of this condition:
Everyone is different and each person’s body may react differently to different factors. But over the years scientists have analysed the data to find out some of the most common reasons why we feel fatigued. If you don’t spot anything on this list that matches your life, don’t worry. There may be an easily explainable cause for your fatigue that we have not covered here:
Now let’s check out a list of 12 foods to fight fatigue that may help our bodies get back to feeling energised again:
Before we check out foods to fight fatigue, let’s understand some of the most common causes of this condition:
Everyone is different and each person’s body may react differently to different factors. But over the years scientists have analysed the data to find out some of the most common reasons why we feel fatigued. If you don’t spot anything on this list that matches your life, don’t worry. There may be an easily explainable cause for your fatigue that we have not covered here:
Now let’s check out a list of 12 foods to fight fatigue that may help our bodies get back to feeling energised again:
Based on some research, Makhana might have anti-fatigue properties along with a high nutritional value. Thus, Makhana can be used to combat fatigue.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Don’t underestimate the power of a bowl of salad or a serving of fruits. Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of vital nutrients that help to keep the metabolism going and improve energy levels. The fresher the fruit or vegetable, the better it is for your health. Also, the energy provided is at a more consistent rate, and this helps the body to cope better with demanding mental and physical work. They are ideal foods that prevent fatigue and depression.
Burgers, pasta, French fries, boxed meals, ready-to-eat snacks, and other such items may seem like enticing options when low on energy, but they are bad for health and provide no nutrition to the body. Instead, they cause sharp spikes and dips in sugar levels leading you to feel a burst of energy and then feeling thoroughly washed out. Choose unprocessed food options like whole grains, brown bread sandwiches or a glass of milk, which are better food options that prevent fatigue.
A cup or two of coffee daily is alright, but when coffee becomes the go-to drink to get by every hour, then it is harmful to health. You could instead choose fresh fruit juices, milkshakes, green tea or smoothies to help tide over low energy levels. They make nutritious options for foods that prevent fatigue.
Most of us skip breakfast for a little bit of extra sleep or choose unhealthy options like bagels, doughnuts, or high-calorie snacks for sustenance. To have stable energy levels throughout the day, decide to eat an oatmeal breakfast or have whole grain options like whole-wheat pancakes, multigrain sandwiches or quinoa. These have a high amount of good quality carbohydrates that provide fuel to our brains and muscles, so they work efficiently and make great foods to fight fatigue.
If you are feeling tired between meals, the best snacking options are nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, Chia seeds, flax seeds, and pistachios. You could also go for sunflower seeds, Brazilian nuts, hazelnuts, pecans or pumpkin seeds as well. All of these make for healthy foods that fight fatigue. They provide essential nutrients, fibre and a boost of energy to the tired body. Chia seeds have earned the reputation of being a ‘runner’s food’ as they help in improving endurance and enhance physical performance. Most nuts are rich in magnesium, potassium and other vital nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids that are potent antioxidants. These are the perfect fatigue-fighting foods.
Nothing fights fatigue like proteins. Beans, tofu, cottage cheese, and sprouts are foods that fight fatigue. Most of these are rich in magnesium that helps to restore energy levels.
Mushrooms are an unassuming source of energy. They are rich in proteins and fibre and replenish essential nutrients like folate and B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, etc. They prevent damage to mitochondria which are the powerhouses of the cells. They also combat fatigue by providing support to the adrenal glands. They can be eaten as part of salads, in sandwiches or as a snack in themselves.
Whenever we are tired, we almost always forget to account for dehydration. Water helps the body to work optimally without adding any calories. It makes for a perfect drink whenever you are feeling down and out. Guzzle down two litres of water a day to keep your energy levels up.
Bananas are one of the best foods to fight fatigue. Rich in potassium, vitamins, and minerals, bananas are one of the cheapest and most readily available energy sources around the world. Have in a smoothie, as is or incorporate in a milkshake to get benefitted twice over.
Packed with fibre, carbohydrates, and protein (a good trio), beans are right on top of foods that fight fatigue. They are rich in fibre that helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent sudden spikes or dips in sugar levels. There is a range of options available like kidney beans, cluster beans, regular French beans, and garbanzo beans. Eat them as a snack or as part of a curry.
Also Read: Is Granola Good For You: Unraveling the Truth Based on Nutrition Science
Sweet potatoes are a healthier option to potatoes when looking for good carbohydrates to sustain bodily functions. They are high in fibre and rich in potassium. Potassium keeps the electrolyte balance maintained and helps the body by lowering blood pressure. When the body is relaxed, it responds better to stress and fatigue. Also, know about the stress foods to avoid.
Tea has much less caffeine than coffee. Also, it has an amino acid- theanine which helps to enhance concentration and makes one alert. Be warned, though. If you have some tea close to your bedtime, it might hamper your ability to hit the sack on time.
Many studies suggest that drinking Kokum sharbat might be helpful in reducing fatigue, especially in summer, as it has anti-fatigue properties.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
A good night’s sleep, eating meals on time and making healthy choices when it comes to foods that do not cause fatigue will go a long way in keeping you feeling energetic and active. Nothing can replace a good lifestyle to fight off exhaustion in this fast-paced world. Replace junk and processed food with nuts and whole grains with the right foods to fight fatigue. If you still feel tired or experience low levels of energy, talk to your doctor.
Must Read: 9 Energy Giving Foods to Fight Fatigue
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Along with fever and cough, fatigue is now one of the top three signs of Covid-19 and also post Covid condition. It may take the form of sudden extreme fatigue or may gradually get worse with time. Fatigue usually occurs early in the disease and may even be one of the first warning symptoms of Covid-19.
It is important to understand the difference between regular tiredness, chronic fatigue and fatigue caused by the coronavirus, i.e., pandemic fatigue. In most cases, you may just be tired after a busy day. However, most reports show that fatigue in Covid-19 affects people of all age groups and genders.
Regular tiredness happens to us regularly, leaving us feeling less energetic. It may also be accompanied by body aches (especially if you have had a physically active day) and you may feel sleepy. That brings us to the key difference between pandemic fatigue and feeling tired – sleep or rest usually fixes feelings of tiredness, so it lasts only a few hours at most.
With Covid-19 related fatigue, however, most viral infections for that matter, getting a good night sleep and taking rest typically will not bring back your energy and strength. Fatigue is characterised by this fact: that your body feels tired and you lack the energy to do even small tasks despite getting ample amounts of rest. And unlike tiredness, it may persist for several days or longer.
The separation between pandemic fatigue and chronic fatigue is a little more nuanced. Chronic fatigue is usually caused by infections, mental health issues, hormonal disorders, genetic disposition or other health issues.
So if you find yourself unable to perform simple, low effort tasks and you wake up still feeling exhausted even though you are sleeping enough, it may be a sign of chronic fatigue or the early symptoms of Covid-19.
If you’re struggling with fatigue, know that you’re not alone – about 8 in 10 adults who get COVID-19 experience fatigue during their illness (and for kids, it occurs about half of the time).
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Although it is still not fully understood, the current consensus in the medical community finds your immune system as the cause of this condition. When your immune system first detects the virus, it immediately starts trying to destroy and get rid of the intruder. This process takes place much before you ever feel any other symptoms of Covid-19 like cough, cold and difficulty breathing.
This phenomenon is not limited to the coronavirus that is responsible for Covid-19, it is common for other viral and bacterial infections too. As your body releases certain chemical mediators to deal with the threat of an infection, the effects of this battle within your body can leave you experiencing sudden extreme fatigue even in the earliest stages of the disease.
Of course, since this effect is not limited to just Covid-19, your fatigue may be caused by any of the other sources mentioned above. So how can you properly identify what’s causing your fatigue?
Myalgias (muscle pain), muscle loss, and weakness are frequently observed in patients with COVID-19 and might persist for several months after infection, viral infections in general are known to cause prolonged weakness and fatigue.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
If you are definitely experiencing fatigue and not just tiredness, the question remains – is this one of the early warning symptoms of Covid-19 or is there some other cause? Covid-19 fatigue is usually accompanied or followed by a fever, cough, chills, body aches, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and loss of smell. You may not be able to correlate the level of tiredness with the extent of your physical activities.
The common symptoms of Covid-19 are evolving due to the newer variants of the virus. The list of symptoms you should look out for includes skin rashes, reddening of the eyes and digestive system issues.
It should be noted, however, that typically, the other symptoms show up later while fatigue is thought to set in within the first seven days of getting infected. So it is best to rule out other causes when you notice that you have fatigue.
Speak with a doctor if you are unsure what is causing your fatigue and they will work to identify or rule out the common causes. It may be that you are experiencing side effects of your medications, a mental health issue or that you have a hormonal issue. In any case, your doctor will be able to guide you on the best steps to take to move forward.
While feeling sudden extreme fatigue may not seem alarming, the fact is it may very well be your earliest warning sign of Covid-19. With time, the disease progresses and inflammation increases, the risk of developing major symptoms is high.
It is important to monitor fatigue, whether you see it in yourself or your loved ones around you. Keep in mind, the pandemic fatigue that is linked to Covid-19 affects kids and adults alike, so monitor your children as well. If you or your doctor suspects that your fatigue is being caused by the coronavirus, do not waste time, isolate yourself and get yourself tested immediately. Early detection is one of the best ways to keep yourself safe from the most harmful effects of Covid-19.
Also Read: Felty Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Research-Backed Treatment Options
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Having a family member with depression necessitates that you know more about depression so that you can recognize the severity and arrange for help if required. Moreover, these patients need constant encouragement for compliance with medication. They also need to be heard and not judged. To achieve all this, the caregiver must endeavour a lot of patience with the family member.
It is a complex condition. Several risk factors have been identified namely genes, hormone levels, environmental triggers, some medicines, death of a loved one, physical or emotional abuse. A circumstantial nervousness or sadness is not depression. However, when it lasts longer than two weeks, and the person is not able to overcome it, medical help should be sought.
Typically, depression includes these symptoms – feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness. At times, the person feels like crying profusely otherwise may keep getting angry and irritated over petty things. They may become restless and anxious or sluggish and feel lost. They often may complain of physical pains of some or the other kind. The person may be disinterested in any activity even the one which is of his or her interest. The person may frequently feel tired and fatigued. They either have problems falling asleep or sleep too much. Likewise, they overeat or don’t like eating at all which may lead to weight gain or weight loss. There is a deep-rooted feeling of being unimportant or good for nothing or some guilt for some incidents in the past that they are not accountable for. They find it difficult to concentrate, become indecisive and forgetful. They may have unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches.
If the condition remains untreated or neglected, it may worsen, and the patient may have suicidal thoughts or even attempt suicide. Since the condition has many faces to it, awareness and education regarding the disease are essential for the patients’ family members.
Also Read About: Different Types of Depression
Be there for your friend and let them do the talking. Encourage them to talk about their illness, but don’t try to offer any immediate solutions. Your support is the most important thing that you have to offer. If a person is very depressed, it is important that they seek professional advice.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Firstly, as soon as you become aware of the condition strike a conversation with the person. Listen to what he or she has to say. Don’t judge them or give negative opinions. Let them know your observations and that you are concerned. If the person is not aware, convince him or her that depression is a condition that needs expert advice and treatment and that it is vital to see one. The person should be assured that the condition may not go away on its own and needs treatment. Once he agrees to visit a doctor, get the person to jot down his feelings and status of mind so that it is easier for him to explain to the doctor. If possible accompany the person to the doctor. Most of the times doctors also need inputs from the family regarding their behavioural patterns.
When the treatment starts, keep a quiet tab on the use of medicines. Initially, you may have to give the medication yourself to the patient. Gradually as the patient feels better, he gets more convinced that he needs the medication. After that, you can rely on him for taking his medicines and appropriate, timely refills.
Engage the person in activities that he or she used to like normally. Experiment on activities that lift their mood and keep those that put them off away. Stay around or ensure someone is around always. Don’t keep brooding over their condition with your other family members, friends, and relatives that may worsen their feeling of guilt or further frustrate them. Help them to make certain decisions or complete certain tasks that they find difficult without them losing their confidence.
Also Read About: Treatment for Depression – Therapy, Medication & More
Sometimes the person’s condition may worsen, and he or she may have a suicidal tendency. They would generally start talking negative things and about their wish of living no longer. They may even make multiple calls to people and talk as their last. They may start giving away things even the ones they loved. Would be wanting to be left alone. You must pick these hints and seek medical help.
As a precautionary measure, get rid of all things that the person can use to inflict self-harm. Don’t leave the person alone. Whenever you are in such a situation, seek help from an emergency and have people around to help in case something goes out of your control. Seek medical help immediately. You may have to hospitalize the patient for further treatment and care.
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The condition does improve with appropriate treatment, though it may take time. So most importantly one needs to keep one’s spirits high and remain hopeful and calm.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Must Read About: Foods to Avoid in Anxiety or Depression
Disproportionate working hours–even at night–are becoming more and more common in our society.
Lack of sleep affects thoughts and awareness universally. It is proposed that humans need sleep, for the maintenance of energy and handling of information. Sleep deprivation occurs when insufficient sleep leads to diminished performance, decreased alertness, and a decline in health. It also increases failures to carry out intended actions, which may raise severe concerns in certain circumstances. It also has a detrimental effect on our ability to process emotional information. Reduced quantity of sleep increases the risk for depression, which in turn increases the risk for decreased sleep. It also raises the risk of increased pain perception. Decreasing either the amount or quality of sleep reduces the effectiveness of the insulin in our body and glucose tolerance. It may also lead to an inconsistent increase in food intake, a decrease in physical activity, and weight gain. Therefore, it is probable that decreased sleep duration may increase the incidence of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Thus, sleep deprivation not only increases the risk of various lifestyle diseases but also can cause unfavorable behavioral changes, in turn, increasing stress and loss of sleep.
It is essential to deal with the loss of sleep and its effects early on to avoid long-term consequences.
To ensure a good night’s sleep, avoid a heavy dinner, tea, coffee, aerated drinks and any other item that stimulates your brain. If you generally have difficulty falling asleep, avoid naps during the day.
Practice planning things to avoid longer working hours at night. Habituate yourself to stop work and shut down all gadgets at least 30 minutes to an hour before going to bed. Read something pleasant or meditate or take a hot shower to put yourself to sound sleep.
If some assignment on the next day is going to deter you from sleeping well, finish it off early in the day; else it is sure to spoil your next day with the reduced alertness due to lack of sleep. This is equally important for children.
Fix your sleeping time and duration. Plan everything else around it, not the other way round.
Read More: How to Get a Good Night Sleep?
You are bound to perform better with sound sleep than otherwise.
Also Read: Can Sleep Apnea Kill You? Uncovering the Truth
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute fairly common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Our immune system is wondrous because it works so hard and efficiently to protect us from all kinds of allergens, toxins, and intruders. Standing guard against diseases, injuries, harmful foods, infections and allergies, the immune system is the most potent weapon a human body has. But what happens when this weapon turns against us? What are the signs of autoimmune disease?Autoimmune diseases are maladies of the immune system. Due to incessant inflammation, the immune turns against the person and starts attacking it. They are of different kinds, and they affect various organs. Reasons for developing autoimmune diseases are varied. Genetic factors, environmental factors like diet are all contributors to autoimmune disease. Type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease are all examples of autoimmune diseases.Autoimmune diseases can be controlled if you can find an underlying cause. The doctors treat them by prescribing immunosuppressant medicines or anti-inflammatory drugs. These might treat the symptoms but do nothing to address the cause of the disease. So how do you figure out you have an autoimmune disease? Here are some signs of the same.
This is one of the first sign of autoimmune disease. It is extreme and doesn’t have an explanation. You wake up feeling tired, and so the amount of rest or sleep helps.While it is alright to feel excessively tired and overworked sometimes but if you are suffering from exhaustion and fatigue regularly, you need to figure out the underlying cause. Many times fatigue is due to a bad lifestyle habit but it could also signal to indicate a yet-undiscovered medical condition. Here are 14 causes of fatigue:
Regular sleep heals the mind and the body and if you are not getting enough of it or not at a regular time, your body will feel tired throughout the day. Keep away from electronic gadgets before your bedtime and develop a healthy sleep routine which could include a warm bath, reading and meditation.
If chronic fatigue is hampering your life, get your haemoglobin levels checked. An Iron-rich diet that includes greens, meats, tofu and cereals will ramp up your energy levels. Iron-supplements will also help.
Nothing perks up the energy meter like a good dose of regular exercise. A walk, run, yoga, aerobics and a healthy session of meditation to reduce stress are all good options.
Binging on junk food can spike and then cause a crash in the sugar levels leading to fatigue. Eating healthy food ensures stable energy levels. Regulate your daily diet with food to fight fatigue and help you stay stress-free.
Excessive exercise can prove detrimental to health. Exercise moderately to reap its benefits.
Being overweight or obese can make metabolism sluggish. A reduction in weight will show immediate benefits in good looks and high energy levels.
Emotional stress saps energy levels like nothing else. Keeping life stress-free and taking medical help to deal with different types of depression are the only ways out.
Another important cause noticed by me in my practice is that people with skin allergy taking daily medication also feel tiredness, which is due to side effect of medicine. This should always be kept in mind.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Consumption of tea, coffee and cola can lead to a hyperactive system and low energy levels. Stick to non-caffeinated drinks or plain water to stay fatigue-free.
Taking certain antidepressants, sedatives and other medications is a leading cause of fatigue. Speak to your doctor and look for alternatives to keep your energy up.
Fatigue can be a symptom of anything ranging from common flu to HIV. If you experience chronic fatigue associated with symptoms like fever, body ache, joint pain, headache, you should consult a physician to get an appropriate diagnosis and a timely management.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
An overworking or underactive thyroid gland could be majorly contributing to fatigue. Regular thyroid checkups with medications can help control the situation.
Anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders are leading causes of constant fatigue. Medical help with healthy eating habits ensures a high energy life.
When feeling constantly fatigued, get yourself checked for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus and Celiac disease. With proper medication and healthy habits, you can bring up your energy levels.
Also Read: Felty Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Research-Backed Treatment Options
In Diabetes, blood sugar is not used by the body to be converted to energy. Constant fatigue can be a significant pointer to this disease. Energy can be levelled up with regular exercise, medication and better lifestyle choices.
When excessive fatigue cannot allude to any underlying medical cause, the reason could be Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Rest doesn’t help and any mental and physical activity can worsen the situation.
Also Read: Foods to avoid if you have anxiety and depression
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
