Most people feel tired after exercise, but if you crash for days, you may have an underlying medical condition. Fatigue is normal after mental and physical exertion because your body has performed at a higher level than usual. When you experience incapacitating fatigue after exercise, this is called exercise intolerance. Exercise intolerance is not a disease itself, but a symptom of an underlying problem. Several conditions can cause fatigue due to exercise.
Anemia
Anemia affects more than 3 million Americans, and women are especially at risk. There are several different kinds of anemia, but iron-deficiency anemia is the most common kind. You need iron to make the red blood cells that carry blood and oxygen throughout your body. With anemia, you don't have enough oxygen-rich blood cells to provide the oxygen your body needs, resulting in weakness, low body temperature, trouble concentrating and fatigue. Because exercise increases your body's need for oxygen-rich blood, people with anemia are often even more fatigued after exercise. A simple blood test can confirm anemia, which is treated with medication and dietary changes.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease encompasses two major respiratory diseases called emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and causes severe shortness of breath, weakness and exercise intolerance due to swollen, inflamed or damaged airways. People with COPD experience extreme fatigue and shortness of breath after physical activity due to the body's increased need for oxygen. Smoking is the most common cause of COPD, but exposure to other lung irritants may also contribute to the disease. COPD can develop slowly over time, so check with your doctor if you experience exercise intolerance and shortness of breath after physical exertion.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition that causes weakness and fatigue, especially after exercise. CHF occurs when your heart cannot efficiently pump enough blood and oxygen for the rest of your body. During exercise, your body's demand for blood increases, resulting in increased fatigue for CHF patients. Several conditions can cause CHF, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. These illnesses block or damage the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart, resulting in CHF. CHF is treated with medications and lifestyle changes. Contact your doctor if you experience chest pain and shortness of breath during exercise.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also called chronic immune dysfunction, is a condition that commonly causes debilitating fatigue, poor stamina and difficulty concentrating. Other symptoms include tender lymph nodes, sore throat and joint pain. The most distinguishing symptom of CFS is profound fatigue after physical activity. CFS sufferers report an exacerbation of symptoms within 12 to 48 hours of physical activity and often need an extended period of rest to recover. There is no cure for CFS, but physicians can treat the symptoms of CFS. Talk to your doctor if you think you are suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.
Member Comments