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Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion or a need to rest because of lack of energy or strength.
Fatigue may result from overwork, poor sleep, worry, boredom, or lack of exercise. It is a symptom that may be caused by illness, medicine, or medical treatment such as chemotherapy. Anxiety or depression can also cause fatigue.
How can you care for fatigue?
- Get regular exercise. But try not to overdo it. It may help to go back and forth between rest and exercise.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Try not to skip any meals.
- Avoid or try to cut back on your use of caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol. Caffeine is most often found in coffee, tea, cola drinks, and energy drinks.
- Limit medicines that can cause fatigue. These include medicines such as cold and allergy medicines.
Fatigue: When to call
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have new symptoms such as fever or a rash.
- Your fatigue gets worse.
- You have been feeling down, depressed, or hopeless. Or you may have lost interest in things that you usually enjoy.
- You are not getting better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.