The Macmillan Dictionary defines exhaustion as "a feeling of being extremely tired and without energy," but the medical condition of the same name includes additional important symptoms. The cause of the exhaustion determines the signs. Heat, stress, liver, adrenal/kidney and emotional are the types of exhaustion that affect body health, and all have recognizable symptoms.
Fatigue
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines fatigue as "...a lack of energy and motivation." The agency notes that apathy (lack of caring) and drowsiness may be accompanying symptoms. The key to understanding fatigue is to note when this sign of exhaustion occurs during the day. The NIH states that early morning fatigue is a sign of depression, while fatigue later in the day may be related to physical conditions such as thyroid, kidney, liver or blood sugar problems. The most common link between fatigue and exhaustion is the lack of sleep, according to a study done by the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at Utrecht University in 2007.
Weakness
General weakness, sometimes referred to as vital exhaustion or VE, is not a normal condition, and the underlying cause should be identified. A period of prolonged strenuous physical activity, even in athletes, may create short-term weakness and muscle exhaustion. Stress can also induce a feeling of weakness related to exhaustion. Other serious diseases related to weakness include anemia and hormonal changes related to cancers, according to the Mayo Clinic, so a comprehensive medical examination should be done if the feeling of weakness is chronic.
Fluid Dehydration
Exhaustion related to heat is common and can be identified by fluid dehydration. Exhaustion related to dehydration may be accompanied by excessive sweating or a fever. Increasing fluid intake and, in extreme cases, medical treatment may be required to replace fluid loss. If dehydration is accompanied by other conditions, including breathing problems and skin rashes, medical treatment should be immediately obtained since these signs are related to more serious illnesses.
Breathing Problems
Shallow, uneven breaths or difficulty in normal breathing are signs of exhaustion related to disease conditions including heart attack, asthma and allergic reactions, according to the Mayo Clinic, but they are also conditions experienced due to physical exhaustion. Hot, dry temperatures and high geographic elevations improve the chances of physical exhaustion. Physical exhaustion is easily relieved with rest, but ongoing problems related to disease must be treated by a medical specialist.
Skin Tone
Heat exhaustion is recognized by the clammy, cool skin in people experiencing this condition. The National Institutes of Health report that children, obese people and the elderly are more susceptible to this type of exhaustion. Use of medications and alcohol compounds the problem. Skin should be supple and slightly warm to the touch. Dry, clammy, cool skin is a sign of exhaustion, and the affected person should be given fluids and medical attention.
Emotional State
Irritability and lack of patience with even simple tasks are the hallmarks of mental exhaustion. The British Medical Journal reported in 2002 that a link between stress and emotional exhaustion was found in a longitudinal study examining the burnout factor of British physicians.The study reported that "Emotional exhaustion is probably the key precursor of stress."
