Tiredness and shortness of breath can be caused by a wide variety of diseases. These are two distinct symptoms, and while some conditions can cause both, other conditions may lead to one or the other. Individuals who feel like they have excessive amounts of these symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional. Doctors can diagnose the causes of tiredness and breathlessness by a careful history and physical examination, and by a number of laboratory tests.
Anemia
Anemia is an important cause of fatigue and breathlessness, especially in women. The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency anemia. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, a molecule that transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Symptoms of anemia include lethargy and poor concentration. More severe anemia can cause palpitations and breathlessness.
Lung Disease
A wide variety of lung disorders can cause breathlessness. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are both common causes of breathlessness. Bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchi, and bronchiectasis, a lung disorder characterized by permanent dilation of the airways, are other causes. Interstitial lung diseases, which can be due to occupational or autoimmune diseases, can cause a slowly progressive fatigue and breathlessness that occurs over many years.
Heart Diseases
Congestive cardiac failure, a disease in which the heart fails to pump out a sufficient amount of blood with each heartbeat, affects an estimated 4.8 million Americans. The most common cause of the condition is due to poor blood supply. Heart failure can cause breathlessness with exertion, wheezing, and swelling of the hands, legs and abdomen.
Psychiatric Conditions
A number of psychiatric conditions can cause prolonged tiredness. Depression can be associated with such an extreme tiredness that it immobilizes an individual. Other symptoms of depression include lack of motivation, decreased appetite, sleep changes and suicidal thoughts. Chronic anxiety disorders, grief and emotional stress may also lead to tiredness.
Medications
A number of medications can cause tiredness or fatigue. Beta blockers, used to treat hypertension and to treat ischemic heart disease, can cause fatigue. Digoxin, another cardiac drug, can cause the limbs to feel heavy and immovable. Amiodarone, a drug used to treat certain heart rhythm disorders, can cause a gradually worsening breathlessness.
References
- "Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine"; Nicki R. Colledge, et al.; 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Beta Blockers; Mayo Clinic staff; Dec. 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Depression; Mayo Clinic staff; Feb. 2010
