Everyone feels tired after an exhausting day at work or trek. It’s absolutely normal. Demanding work environments, stress from personal relationships, strain from balancing all aspects of life and patchy sleep due to anxiety can lead to physical and mental fatigue. If you are into health and fitness, engaging in a high-intensity workout can also contribute to exhaustion which becomes pronounced as the day draws to an end. While tiredness caused by these factors is usually nothing to worry about and can be reversed with some lifestyle changes, feeling tired 24*7, even after 7-8 hours of sound sleep, can be worrying and merits your attention. Such feelings of tiredness are indicators of more serious underlying health conditions which may need immediate medical intervention.
In this article, let us explore 8 common health conditions that could be causing perpetual fatigue in you.
Health condition no.1: Anaemia
Anaemia is a common deficiency disorder, more prevalent amongst Indian women. According to the National Family Health Survey, approximately 55% of women in India suffer from anaemia or iron deficiency. Anaemia is a condition in which the blood lacks a sufficient quantity of healthy red blood cells and haemoglobin. Red blood cells are very important because they are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to various tissues and cells in the body. This lack of healthy RBCs and low haemoglobin contributes to symptoms such as shortness of breath, suddenly aggravated heartbeat, difficulty concentrating and constant tiredness. Sometimes, persistent exhaustion is the first sign of anaemia.
Pre-existing conditions like kidney disorder, arthritis, internal bleeding and blood loss can cause anaemia. Iron and vitamin B12 deficiency leading to anaemia can affect children, men and women. Getting a blood test done is the best way to evaluate your situation. Consuming prescribed supplements and foods like dark leafy green vegetables, iron-fortified cereals, raisins, beans and apricots can help manage iron deficiency.
Health condition no. 2: Overall nutrient deficiency
Health condition no. 3: Thyroid problems
Sometimes an underlying or undetected infection within the body could be depleting your energy which in turn makes you feel tired all the time. This internal fight may not be visible to the naked eye and symptoms can sometimes be minimal aside from extreme fatigue. Weakness confused with otherwise daily strain from lifestyle activities, if continued for months, need expert supervision.
A complete blood count (CBC) test can point out various health conditions like infection, anaemia or even cancer. The CBC test counts whether there has been a loss or increase in the number of cells in the body. Your doctor may further advise specific tests needed for the diagnosis.
Health condition no. 5: Diabetes
When the body fails to utilise sugar (glucose) correctly, it gets stored within the blood, leading to a build-up. Blood glucose cannot be used efficiently by the body to produce energy in diabetes. This causes symptoms like constant thirst, fatigue, weight loss, sudden pangs of hunger, yeast infections, blurry vision, irritation and constant urge to urinate. Blood sugar tests can help your doctor diagnose diabetes. Such tests also help shed light on the reason behind your tiredness.
Health condition no. 6: Kidney disorder
The kidneys carry out the task of purifying your system by removing all impurities and toxins from your body. When the job is not done well, it can cause painful urination, constant urges to urinate, high blood pressure and, last and most importantly, fatigue.
Doctors recommend tests to evaluate issues with the kidneys and these involve urine and blood sample collection. This group of tests is called the ‘Kidney Function Test’ and includes parameters like blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. A high level in either of the two parameters is a sign that the kidney is not functioning right.
Health condition no. 7: Liver disorder
A common symptom reported by patients with liver disorders is chronic fatigue. This is linked to alterations in neurotransmission, which is due to a mismatch of signals interchanged between the brain and the diseased liver.
Alanine transaminase (ALT), albumin, bilirubin and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are some common tests prescribed by doctors to evaluate enzymes generated by the liver when it has become damaged. If a liver disorder is left unaddressed medically, it can cause a condition like jaundice or even be life-threatening.
Health condition no. 8: Electrolyte deficiency
We often come across advertisements about electrolyte deficiency during summertime. This deficiency is a common cause of tiredness. But electrolyte deficiency is not just a seasonal problem. Some people suffer from a lack of sodium, potassium and chloride (electrolytes) within their body which can cause exhaustion irrespective of the season. Electrolytes help the muscles and nerves to function healthily and when there is a shortage, it causes fatigue. Blood tests, along with consuming coconut water daily, are some ways you can detect and manage your electrolyte deficiency.
Conclusion:
From the article, we can understand that tiredness is not as uncomplicated as it may seem. A physical condition as harmless as the constant wish to sleep or rest can be a preliminary sign of an illness. Exhaustion is often one of the earliest symptoms and if action is taken promptly, it helps with a speedy recovery. To address chronic fatigue, consult a doctor and follow up with diagnostic tests and medications to properly manage your condition.
Disclaimer: The information included at 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.
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