Not an uncommon example: a successful, confident manager collapses under the weight of unattainable career goals. Exhaustion is attested as the cause. This condition, or better grievance, referred to as exhaustion increasingly affects many people in their professional and private lives. Causes, diagnostic options and the opportunities for treatment and prevention should therefore be known more precisely and, above all, used more frequently.
What is exhaustion?
A state of total exhaustion is increasingly referred to as a burnout symptom, especially in the professional field. Exhaustion is generally defined as a state of reduced physical or mental performance, which is accompanied by the unpleasant feeling of weakness, fatigue and listlessness and often by other symptoms such as headaches and muscle aches, increased irritability or concentration problems. Specific indicators of exhaustion are also gastrointestinal complaints, shortness of breath, dizziness and the loss of private and professional interests. In this context, the complaints can be of varying duration. They may be general and non-specific, or they may occur only under certain conditions. Exhaustion can occur as a symptom of illness, but also in advance of possible illnesses as a serious alarm signal. A state of total exhaustion is increasingly referred to as a burn-out symptom, especially in the professional field. The reduction in performance due to exhaustion is reversible by recovery, provided that the cause lies in a previous stress.
Causes
One cause of exhaustion may be the presence of chronic fatigue syndrome. This refers to a difficult-to-diagnose incurable disease in which the origin has not yet been adequately clarified. The clinical picture is characterized by debilitating mental and physical exhaustion with numerous accompanying symptoms. The cause of exhaustion can also be anemia, hypothyroidism or cardiovascular disease. Likewise, iron deficiency, an undetected suppurative focus or immune deficiency may be causally related to the phenomenon of exhaustion. Depression, in addition to mood swings, dejection and listlessness, can also cause states of exhaustion. Burn-out syndrome, a state of severe emotional exhaustion and reduced performance, can be caused by persistent occupational overloads and incorrect workloads. Lack of sleep, a reduced quality of sleep can also be considered as a trigger. The sleep deficit can be caused by one’s own misconduct, such as poor diet or poor indoor air quality, or by diseases such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome (insensations and dysfunctions, especially in the legs). In addition, deep-rooted nervous-emotional stresses such as lovesickness, relationship disputes, money worries or grief often form the preconditions for exhaustion. Significant climatic changes can also be responsible for exhaustion. Taking medications or drugs or dealing with harmful substances can also contribute to exhaustion.
Diseases with this symptom
- Common cold
- Restless Legs Syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
- Pericarditis
- Flu
- Depression
- Iron deficiency
- Vitamin deficiency
- Burnout syndrome
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CSF)
- Stroke
- Thrombosis
Diagnosis and course
If no obvious, clear reason for exhaustion can be determined, a doctor should be consulted if the duration is prolonged. Based on the symptoms, the doctor may already be able to perform targeted examinations to determine a diagnosis. In principle, the attending physician will ask questions about the symptoms and the duration of the symptoms in order to determine the cause. Of importance are possibly existing diseases as well as the representation of the living conditions. For example, information about diet or possible professional or private problems are important. Blood tests and certain organic examinations can also be helpful in determining the cause of the complaint. In the process, apparative or imaging procedures can be used. Exhaustion often progresses insidiously and unnoticed at first.As a rule, the required attention and a change in behavior or the visit to the doctor is delayed. A symptom of exhaustion is highly variable in terms of cause, type and duration. In the case of self-induced exhaustion, the original condition can usually be restored in a short time by a change in behavior. In the case of incurable chronic diseases, the course is usually associated with lasting impairments. Medication can usually only provide relief, but not freedom from symptoms. The course of the disease can also be favorably influenced by behavioral therapy. In the case of temporary illnesses, good chances of recovery can be expected through early specialist examination.
Complications
Exhaustion is considered an unavoidable permanent condition in many adults. In today’s everyday life, some degree of exhaustion occurs almost every day, however, as a result of which it is no longer recognized in time when something changes in this perceived normal exhaustion. Exhaustion can also be an indication of a disease – for example, it can indicate anemia with other causes, improper nutrition, metabolic disorders, especially of the thyroid gland, or psychological problems. However, because exhaustion is perceived as so normal, many people do not notice the symptom of illness until it is too late, namely when other symptoms of illness have already been added. Depending on the root cause, this can complicate treatment and chances of recovery, and may necessitate a long rather than a short course of treatment. Exhaustion should therefore be taken seriously if it lasts longer, is felt worse or differently than before, or affects everyday life. Even exhaustion that is not caused by a physical illness can be problematic for the person affected if he or she is no longer able to cope with daily tasks or manages to cope with work and other obligations, but neglects his or her social relationships due to exhaustion. Neglecting friends and family members may go well in the short term, but in the long term, exhaustion can have a significant negative impact on participation in social life and should be medically evaluated before it occurs.
When should you see a doctor?
Many people do not even perceive exhaustion as a possible symptom of illness. They often attribute it to overwork, exercise, grief or other energy-sapping situations. Even in the case of illnesses such as colds, exhaustion is usually given only secondary importance. Often this is fine. Exhaustion is not necessarily a reason to see a doctor immediately. However, if a state of exhaustion lasts for an unusually long time or occurs even with only light exertion, a visit to the doctor is definitely advisable. Exhaustion can conceal an illness that needs to be taken seriously. Anyone who visits their family doctor due to high levels of exhaustion will have to answer many questions in a detailed anamnesis and then undergo a thorough physical check-up. This will be supplemented by blood tests, because laboratory values can provide valuable information about the cause of severe or chronic exhaustion. There is even a special exhaustion disease: the “chronic fatigue syndrome”, technically abbreviated as CFS. In the case of pronounced exhaustion, however, a serious illness should also be considered as a possible cause. This can be, among other things, a disturbed immune system or a hormonal balance, but also undetected infections and cancer. Mental illnesses such as depression are also usually associated with listlessness or exhaustion. As a precaution, a visit to the doctor should therefore be considered in case of exhaustion.
Treatment and therapy
The treatment of exhaustion depends on the cause determined by the diagnosis. The state of exhaustion may be due to illness or may present as some other temporary impairment. The exhaustion may have been triggered by the patient’s own behavior or by external circumstances. These findings form the basis for the type of treatment. Depending on the symptoms, one’s own behavioral changes can lead to the elimination of exhaustion. Healthier lifestyles such as a balanced diet and sufficient exercise (sports) can lead to this. Nutritional counseling can be helpful.The possibilities of naturopathy can be used specifically: Acupuncture, natural remedies such as St. John’s wort or valerian, as well as vitamins and minerals. Kneipp applications such as alternating showers can also be beneficial. The aim here is to improve the metabolism, lighten the mood by promoting restful sleep. The daily routine can be reorganized. Stress factors should be avoided or reduced if possible. Superfluous deadline pressure, for example, could be changed in this way, as could an identified deficit in daylight (winter depression) or social contacts. It is also important to establish rest breaks and a greater balance of stress and relaxation. Practicing a relaxation technique such as autogenic training, yoga, or Jakobson’s muscle relaxation can be an effective aid in treating exhaustion. Psychologically induced exhaustion may also require outpatient or inpatient psychotherapeutic treatment. Depending on the diagnosis of the disease, medication may be indicated. Disease-related measures such as immunotherapy or hormone treatment may also be necessary. Any pollutants/environmental stresses detected must be avoided. Any protective equipment that may be lacking must be obtained for unavoidable work with pollutants. Psychosocial support such as additional contacts or new hobbies can help to improve the condition. As an alternative treatment, inpatient treatment in a specialized clinic can also be considered (pain treatment, etc.). Excessive consumption of stimulants such as alcohol or coffee should be avoided.
Outlook and prognosis
Exhaustion is usually only a temporary problem and disappears after a few days or weeks if a particular activity that triggered it is no longer performed. In many cases, exhaustion comes from stress at work. A real treatment by a doctor is not necessary in such cases. The affected person can reduce the stress and thus reduce the exhaustion. Without treatment or without reducing the activity that leads to exhaustion, the affected person may also experience physical signs. These include, for example, headaches or explanations and a general feeling of illness. In this case, health should always come first and be more important than stress at work. In case of permanent exhaustion, a doctor can also be consulted, who can prescribe medication. These help the body to regain new energy. This can lead to a positive course of the disease. The symptom is treated by the doctor only in rare cases and can also be managed by simple home remedies.
Prevention
The phenomenon of exhaustion develops predominantly in a longer process. Therefore, it is important to perceive early physical and mental signals as signs of exhaustion and to react in a timely manner. This can be done by changing one’s own behavior, such as eating a more balanced diet and taking additional exercise. Avoiding stress factors, getting a healthy night’s sleep, and avoiding indulgence toxins can also have the effect of preventing exhaustion. Seeing a doctor or naturopath in a timely manner can also help. Exhaustion as a cause of impairment of personal well-being is becoming increasingly common. The economic damage caused by restrictions on the ability to work is considerable. Therefore, more information opportunities on this problem should be created. The chances of early detection and treatment of this health disorder would become more promising.
What you can do yourself
Exhaustion can occur in many people and does not necessarily need to be treated by a doctor. In many cases, it is sufficient to minimize the stress in everyday life and grant the body something. This can greatly limit the symptom of exhaustion. Exhaustion can also be treated with sports activity and a change in diet. Often, social factors also play an important role. Thus, friends, one’s partner or family can equally help to overcome the exhaustion. If the exhaustion has a psychological component, a psychologist must be consulted in some cases. Here, the causes of the exhaustion can be treated.The patient can try different forms of therapy and relaxation by himself. These include, for example, yoga or anti-stress therapies. These can be used to treat the symptoms of exhaustion. Equally important is a healthy and restful sleep in order to have enough strength for the new working day the next morning. If the exhaustion lasts longer and cannot be solved with home remedies, it is advisable to consult a doctor. In this case, it may be a disease that leads to exhaustion.
