Cause |
Details |
Tests |
Management |
Anaemia |
- Common cause of fatigue due to low haemoglobin levels.
- May be due to iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or chronic disease.
- Associated symptoms: pallor, shortness of breath, dizziness.
|
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Serum iron, ferritin, B12, and folate levels
- Peripheral blood smear
|
- Iron supplements for iron deficiency anaemia
- Vitamin B12 injections or oral supplements for deficiency
- Treat underlying chronic disease if present
|
Hypothyroidism |
- Fatigue caused by reduced thyroid hormone production.
- Associated symptoms: weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation.
|
- Thyroid function tests (TSH, free T4)
|
- Thyroid hormone replacement (Levothyroxine)
|
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) |
- Persistent, unexplained fatigue lasting more than 6 months.
- Associated symptoms: muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, cognitive difficulties.
|
- Diagnosis of exclusion—rule out other causes of fatigue
- No specific test, may involve blood tests and sleep studies
|
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Graded exercise therapy
- Symptomatic treatment for pain or sleep disturbances
|
Depression |
- Fatigue associated with low mood, lack of motivation, and sleep disturbances.
- Associated symptoms: feelings of sadness, hopelessness, changes in appetite.
|
- Patient history and mental health assessment
- Questionnaires (e.g., PHQ-9)
|
- Antidepressant medications (SSRIs, SNRIs)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Lifestyle modifications and support
|
Sleep Apnea |
- Fatigue due to interrupted sleep from airway obstruction during sleep.
- Associated symptoms: loud snoring, daytime drowsiness, poor concentration.
|
- Polysomnography (sleep study)
|
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy
- Weight loss and lifestyle changes
- Consider surgery for severe cases
|
Diabetes Mellitus |
- Fatigue due to high blood glucose levels or hypoglycemia.
- Associated symptoms: polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, blurred vision.
|
- Blood glucose levels (fasting, HbA1c)
|
- Blood sugar control with insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents
- Lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise)
|
Infections (e.g., Mononucleosis, HIV) |
- Fatigue due to prolonged immune response to infection.
- Associated symptoms: fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, body aches.
|
- Viral serologies (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, HIV test)
- CBC to check for lymphocytosis
|
- Rest and hydration
- Antiviral medications for HIV or other infections
- Symptomatic treatment (e.g., NSAIDs for pain)
|
Malignancy |
- Fatigue due to cancer-related inflammation or metabolic effects.
- Associated symptoms: unexplained weight loss, night sweats, persistent pain.
|
- Blood tests (CBC, tumour markers)
- Imaging studies (CT, MRI)
- Biopsy for definitive diagnosis
|
- Oncological treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery)
- Supportive care for symptom management
|
Heart Failure |
- Fatigue due to reduced cardiac output and poor oxygen delivery to tissues.
- Associated symptoms: dyspnoea, edema, orthopnea, nocturnal dyspnoea.
|
- Echocardiogram
- BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) levels
- Chest X-ray
|
- Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers
- Fluid restriction and lifestyle changes
- Management of underlying heart conditions
|