Fatigue is a medical condition in which sufferers feel tired and lack energy. In fact, fatigue is normal after staying up all night to work on a project or suffering from insomnia. Sometimes, extreme fatigue can occur as a result of a syndrome or the bite of a fly. In some cases, lacking a certain amino acid can lead to extreme fatigue. Fortunately, the causes of extreme fatigue can be managed.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition in which people affected with this disease cannot participate in normal activities 50 percent of the time.
Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months. Bed rest doesn't alleviate this fatigue. Also, this type of fatigue severely restricts any kind of activity. Other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include fatigue that lasts for greater than a day after exercising, forgetfulness, fever, lymph node tenderness and headaches.
The cause for chronic fatigue syndrome is unclear but the Epstein-Barr virus or the human herpes virus-6 may play a role. Stress, age and underlying medical conditions can also play a role in leading to chronic fatigue syndrome.
No treatment exists for this syndrome. However, anti-anxiety, antidepressant and antiviral medications may be prescribed to manage its symptoms. Also, pain relievers and drugs needed to fight infections (antibiotics) can also be prescribed.
East African Trypanosomiasis
East African trypanosomiasis is a condition typically endemic to Eastern and Southeastern Africa, says the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Symptoms of this condition include extreme fatigue, a fever, excruciating headaches, joint or muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes.
The bite of a tsetse fly carrying the Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense parasite leads to East African trypanosomiaisis.
Medications to destroy the parasite can manage this condition.
Beta-Ketothiolase Deficiency
Beta-Ketothiolase deficiency is a condition in which the body doesn't produce an amino acid known as isoleucine, says the National Library of Medicine. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, vomiting, dehydration, trouble breathing, seizures and even a coma. Typically, this disease strikes children between the ages of 6 and 24 months.
An alteration in the gene called ACAT1 leads to beta-ketothiolase deficiency.
Patients' parents typically are instructed to helping their children avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates and low in protein.
