Fatigue: Care Instructions

Overview

Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness, exhaustion, or lack of energy. You may feel fatigue because of too much or not enough activity. It can also come from stress, lack of sleep, boredom, and poor diet. Many medical problems, such as viral infections, can cause fatigue. Emotional problems, especially depression, are often the cause of fatigue.

Fatigue is most often a symptom of another problem. Treatment for fatigue depends on the cause. For example, if you have fatigue because you have a certain health problem, treating this problem also treats your fatigue. If depression or anxiety is the cause, treatment may help.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• 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.

When should you call for help?

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.