When You Are Always Tired

Like headache, the simple diagnosis of fatigue or simply just tiredness is labeled when all other causes of tiredness or fatigue are eliminated or excluded.

1. If you have fatigue due to allergies like allergic rhinitis, your doctor will assess your symptoms. Through detailed history and testing (blood examinations and patch test), your doctor will determine whether your allergies are caused by foods, pollens, insects, molds, or the weather. Drugs that might help include: topical and nasal steroids and non-drowsy antihistamines (anti-allergy drugs). A doctor specializing in allergic conditions (allergologist) might recommend allergy shots, if indicated. Allergy shots are usually administered over a period of time.

2. If you’re losing red blood cells (anemia), laboratory examinations to determine the cause of your anemia will be requested by your doctor. Your doctor will determine whether your insufficient red blood cells (rbc) is due to either (or in unique conditions, it can be all of the causes) of the following possible causes: a. decreased production of red blood cells (inborn causes); b. increased destruction of rbc (chronic diseases, such as kidney disease and diabetes),; or due to c. blood loss (hemorrhoids, profuse or heavy menstrual cycles, gastrointestinal cancer, overuse of anti-inflammatory medicines or NSAIDs).

3. If you are depressed, talk to your doctor and get a complete physical examination, including laboratory tests. If there is no physical reason for your anxiety or depression, your doctor will prescribe medication to counter your depression. Your doctor might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for your further evaluation. Medication and psychotherapy, or the combination of the two can help relieve symptoms.

4. Constant daytime fatigue can be due to diminished exercise. The decline in physical activity can also trigger mood-related problems. The best way to offset these effects is to try to exercise more. Exercise has beneficial effect on sleep, mood, and tiredness.

5. Diagnosis of tiredness secondary to heart disease can be done through cardiology consult. He might request for the basic and indicated blood chemistry examinations, electrocardiogram, stress test, and Doppler echocardiogram. Medication and treatment procedures can usually help correct the problem, reduce the fatigue, and restore your energy.

6. To help you with your problems as regards bone pain and stiffness, that is more often than not, brought about by rheumatism, visit a rheumatology doctor. The doctor will get your medical history and will request for laboratory tests, including bone density examinations to determine your condition.

7. Other causes of fatigue, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, thyroid problems, can be determined through history and laboratory examinations. Visit your family doctor or a doctor specializing in internal medicine.