Diagnosis | Tiredness

Diagnosis

The simple “fatigue” we speak of when we feel tired is not adequately defined in the medical guidelines. This is because the causes of fatigue can cover a huge spectrum and can have many different causes. Therefore, it is not always easy to make the right diagnosis of chronic fatigue.

Before making a diagnosis, it may be necessary to carry out a series of neurological, internal and laboratory tests until the true cause is identified. Often, however, patients come to the doctor with the diagnosis, as is the case with sleep apnoea syndrome. Typical is the statement, “my partner has breathing problems at night and feels very tired during the day”.

In many cases, however, it is not so easy to make a diagnosis, which is why patients with chronic fatigue often have to see a number of doctors before the cause can be identified. Doctors have a range of equipment at their disposal, from MRIs and sleep laboratories to simple blood tests. A diagnosis can be speeded up if the patient can report abnormalities himself, which can point the medical team in the right direction.

Therapy

The causes of fatigue are as varied as the therapy. In the simplest case, it is enough to shorten your working life and pay attention to your diet. 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day should be the rule, with children and infants correspondingly more.

Since the growth takes place in the sleep, above all young people should pay attention to sufficient sleep during the growth phases. Also a correct adjustment of the medication can eliminate tiredness. A number of medications cause fatigue without being expected at first.

If the patient or relatives notice a noticeable change after changing the dose or the preparation, they should consult the treating doctor. In the case of chronic diseases, such as cancer or HIV, there is unfortunately often no getting around chronic fatigue in the course of the disease and its treatment. In such cases, however, symptomatic therapy concepts such as exercise and coping therapy can support the patient on his way. Diseases such as sleep apnoea syndrome can be eliminated relatively easily by weight reduction and supportive surgery. However then also a general way of life, with renouncement of alcohol, nicotine, should take place, like the weight reduction already mentioned.