Most people experience mild drowsiness or fatigue throughout day-to-day life, which can typically be alleviated with a strong cup of coffee or a good night's sleep. In some people, symptoms of fatigue are much more extreme and can significantly interfere with the ability to function normally throughout the day. If you experience such symptoms, speak with your doctor to determine if you have a disease that causes extreme fatigue.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The primary symptom associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is extreme fatigue. To be diagnosed with CFS, symptoms of extreme fatigue must persist for at least six months. Additional symptoms of CFS include headache, joint pain, difficulty sleeping, muscle pain, sore throat and memory difficulties. CFS most commonly occurs in women between ages 40 and 50, report health professionals at Medline Plus, an informational health website sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Currently, the cause of CFS is unknown and there is no cure.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical condition that causes excessive fatigue and widespread pain throughout the muscles of the body. In the United States, approximately 2 percent of people are affected by fibromyalgia--the majority of which are women--according to the Mayo Clinic. Though the cause of this condition is unknown, treatment strategies such as analgesic or antidepressant medication, physical therapy or counseling may help you manage your symptoms.
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is one of the most common diseases that affect valves within the heart. In a healthy heart, the mitral valve is responsible for regulating blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. If you have MVP, your mitral valve is enlarged and unable to close correctly, preventing blood from flowing normally throughout the body. When your organs don't get an adequate supply of oxygenated blood due to MVP, you can experience extreme fatigue because your cells don't have the energy needed to function efficiently. Additional symptoms associated with MVP include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Your doctor may recommend an antibiotic medication to help prevent additional medical complications, especially before dental procedures or surgery.
Lupus
Lupus, also referred to as systemic lupus erythematosus, is an autoimmune disease that can cause patients to experience extreme fatigue. This condition causes the immune system to abnormally attack healthy parts of the body such as the skin, joints, lungs or heart. Lupus can also cause symptoms such as fever, skin rash, arthritis or kidney problems. There is no cure for lupus, but symptoms can be managed through the administration of certain medications.
