Fatigue is a common symptom. Almost everyone feels it during short-term illness. Fortunately, fatigue usually goes away when the illness is over.
But sometimes fatigue doesn't go away. It doesn't get better with rest. And the cause might be unclear.
Fatigue reduces energy, the ability to do things and the ability to focus. Ongoing fatigue affects quality of life and state of mind.
Most of the time fatigue can be traced to one or more lifestyle issues, such as poor sleep habits or lack of exercise. Fatigue can be caused by a medicine or linked to depression. Sometimes fatigue is a symptom of an illness that needs treatment.
Call 911 or your local emergency number
Get emergency help if you have fatigue and any of the following:
- Chest pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Irregular or fast heartbeat.
- Feeling that you might pass out.
- Severe stomach, pelvic or back pain.
- Unusual bleeding, including bleeding from the rectum or vomiting blood.
- Severe headache.
Seek help for urgent mental health problems
Get emergency help if your fatigue is related to a mental health problem and your symptoms also include thoughts of harming yourself or of suicide. Call 911 or your local emergency services number right away. Or contact a suicide hotline. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Or use the Lifeline Chat.
Schedule a doctor's visit
Call for an appointment with a health care provider if resting, reducing stress, eating well and drinking plenty of fluids for two or more weeks hasn't helped your fatigue.
Show References
- Loscalzo J, et al., eds. Fatigue. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 21st ed. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Nov. 30, 2022.
- Kellerman RD, et al. Fatigue. In: Conn's Current Therapy. 2022. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 30, 2022.
- Fosnocht KM, et al. Approach to the adult patient with fatigue. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 30, 2022.
- Elsevier Point of Care. Clinical Overview: Malaise and fatigue. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 30, 2022.
- Maisel P, et al. Fatigue as the chief complaint — Epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Deutsches Arzteblatt International. 2021; doi:10.3238/arztebl.m2021.0192.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/fatigue/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050894