Fatigue appears as a symptom of several diseases. It is mostly mentioned in the context of cancer. Other diseases which cause fatigue are autoimmune diseases, chronic infections and mental disorders. Besides the physical impact of these diseases the often long-term and exhausting therapeutic measures are responsible for the genesis of fatigue.
The cause of fatigue is being seen as a combination of multiple facts and therefore develops for different reasons. The treatment of an illness can cause changes of the metabolism, the hormone level and brain functions.
Causes of fatigue
Fatigue appears as a symptom of several diseases. It is mostly mentioned in the context of cancer. Other diseases which cause fatigue are autoimmune diseases, chronic infections and mental disorders. Besides the physical impact of these diseases the often long-term and exhausting therapeutic measures are responsible for the genesis of fatigue.
Cancer-related fatigue
Although the exact causes of fatigue have not been explored yet, some factors are being ensured to cause the exhaustion. If the fatigue is caused by cancer it is the tumour’s cells that produce a substance which causes anaemia, fever or loss of weight. These changes weaken the patient and cause exhaustion and tiredness. Therapeutic measures like chemotherapy and radiation therapy do not only have an impact on the cancer but also upon healthy cells which are being destroyed. Psychologically, the life threatening impact cancer can have, can also challenge the patient’s energy account.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of fatigue are a long-term tiredness and lassitude even though the patient sleeps regularly and sufficiently. Due to the mental impact a chronic disease has upon the patient, insomnia can occur and enforce the exhaustion. Many patients do not depict fatigue as a medical symptom because they expect the signs to be side effects of the disease. Therefore they do not report the symptoms to their doctor and cannot use the methods of treatment. Listlessness, a depressive mood and a low frustration tolerance can be depicted as further symptoms of fatigue.
Combination of multiple facts
The cause of fatigue is being seen as a combination of multiple facts and therefore develops for different reasons. The treatment of an illness can cause changes of the metabolism, the hormone level and brain functions. In this context, an impact upon the hypothalamus, the brain region responsible for alertness and attention, is being presumed. Modifications in the metabolism of fats and proteins lead to muscle disorders and the loss of energy. Mental stresses and strains in the context of chronic diseases can be the cause as well as a symptom of a fatigue.
The destruction of cells
The treatment of cancer with chemotherapy does not only involve the destruction of cancer cells but also of healthy cells. Several types of cells are being destroyed: white blood cells (leukocytes), red blood cells (erythrocytes) and blood plates (thrombocytes). The loss of leukocytes leads to a weakening of the body’s immune reaction, the loss of erythrocytes and thrombocytes cause a lack of oxygen in the organs and anaemia.
Barbara Kliem
Weiterlesen
In order to treat the lack of blood (anaemia), either red blood cells are administered to the body in a transfusion or the body’s own production of red blood cells is stimulated with hormones. Both methods lead to a quick multiplication of oxygen in the blood and, for this reason, to an increase of a person’s energy and productivity.
If the fatigue is caused by muscle weaknesses, a systematic exercise programme can be used for therapy. Endurance sports like jogging, swimming and cycling are effective means of exercise for fatigue patients.
It is often difficult to distinct fatigue from general tiredness and exhaustion. A general gradation of tiredness does not exist. The judgement of the patient and the surrounding’s observation are the most significant criteria for a firm diagnosis.
A comprehensive conversation between patient and doctor is essential for the diagnosis of fatigue. Due to the fact that all patients react differently to the symptoms of chronic diseases and the therapeutic measures that are prescribed to cure them, most patients do not identify the exhaustion as a treatable symptom but as a necessary side affect to deal with.
Fatigue appears as a symptom of several diseases. It is mostly mentioned in the context of cancer. Other diseases which cause fatigue are autoimmune diseases, chronic infections and mental disorders. Besides the physical impact of these diseases the often long-term and exhausting therapeutic measures are responsible for the genesis of fatigue.
The cause of fatigue is being seen as a combination of multiple facts and therefore develops for different reasons. The treatment of an illness can cause changes of the metabolism, the hormone level and brain functions.