Fatigue and cancer

Exhaustion and fatigue in the context of cancer disease and its therapy occur in almost all patients. In this context, one also speaks of fatigue, an extreme state of exhaustion, from which up to 40% of patients continue to suffer permanently even after completion of the therapy. It can be caused by the cancer disease itself, but also by accompanying symptoms caused by the therapy, organ damage or psychological consequences of the cancer disease (depression, anxiety).

The aggressive chemotherapeutic drugs act on the dividing tumor cells, but also on healthy, dividing cells, such as the blood cells in the bone marrow. Chemotherapies can thus induce anemia, which is characterized by increased susceptibility to infections, paleness, weakness, shortness of breath under stress and fatigue. Almost all patients treated with chemotherapy suffer from acute fatigue syndrome.

However, this improves within a few weeks after the end of the therapy. It is largely unclear why some patients suffer from it for much longer or even permanently (always tired). The connection with depression is discussed by difficulties in the mental processing of the cancer, disturbances in the sleep-wake rhythm and metabolic disorders.

It is particularly important that the patient is mentally supported and learns to process the disease emotionally. This is very differently difficult for each patient individually, which is why each patient has to find a way to cope best for himself. Self-help groups, psychotherapeutic discussions and open communication with relatives can help here. It is therefore important to explain that one is always tired under cancer therapy.

Tiredness and thyroid gland

The thyroid gland plays an important role in the hormonal balance of the body. It produces the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These regulate many metabolic processes in the body, increase energy conversion and stimulate the metabolism.

However, if the thyroid gland does not function properly, this is usually manifested by a variety of symptoms. If the thyroid gland is underactive (hypothyroidism), too little thyroid hormone is produced or released. This can be congenital or – more frequently – caused by an inflammation of the thyroid gland or iodine deficiency.

Those affected notice the hypothyroidism for example by tiredness, weakness, listlessness, weight gain, hair loss, increased sensitivity to cold or depressive mood. Persistent tiredness can therefore be a symptom of an underactive thyroid. Therapeutically, the thyroid hormones are replaced and supplied to the patient in tablet form.

Thyroid levels in the blood should be checked regularly to see if the levels are normalizing. If this is the case, patients usually have no further limitations and can lead a normal life. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, manifests itself in symptoms that are more or less the opposite of those of the normal thyroid gland.

Those affected are nervous, lose weight, sweat a lot, have palpitations, suffer from sleep disorders or trembling of the hands (tremor) and are often irritable. Fatigue is not one of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. In summary, if you are always tired, it is more likely to be an underactive thyroid.

The eyes are subjected to heavy strain every day. Especially when working at the computer for a long time, they become very strained and quickly start to become dry, itchy or burning. If you turn away from the screen after long computer work, your vision is often blurred.

The eyes are tired and can no longer focus well on the environment. This is due to the fact that the eyes remain in one position for a long time when working at a computer screen. This strains the eye muscles.

In addition, you blink very little when you look at a screen.This reduces the production of tears and the eyes dry out faster. It is helpful to take short breaks from screen work more often, so that the eyes get some variety. It can be helpful to deliberately blink more frequently so that the humidification is improved.

Targeted focusing of various objects with the eyes stimulates and loosens the eye muscles. The workplace should also be well lit so that the eyes do not have to make any additional effort. Tired and dry eyes are often caused by too dry air.

Especially in the winter months many rooms are overheated and the dry heating air has a negative effect on the eyes. Therefore, the rooms should be ventilated briefly and regularly. In addition, sufficient fluid intake must be ensured, because dry eyes are more susceptible to infections, for example conjunctivitis. Finally, there are various reasons why eyes are always tired!