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Possible causes of chronic tiredness

by — Last updated: 2017-09-06 in Nervous System Disorders and Diseases
Reviewed by Medical Team — 2017-06-14

Table of Contents

The condition characterized by almost constant tiredness is usually referred to as chronic fatigue and is a part of a specific syndrome called chronic fatigue syndrome. What exactly is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?

The fact is that doctors really don't know the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. It is known that the fatigue is characterized by a very slow recovery of muscle power. So, a moderate amount of exercise will involve at least two or three days of recovery for a person affected by chronic fatigue syndrome.

It is evidenced that those who develop chronic fatigue syndrome often have a recent history of viral infection, usually an upper respiratory infection such as a cold or flu, or a digestive tract problem that includes diarrhea and vomiting.

Several other possible theories have been proposed, including [8]:

  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • History of allergies
  • Virus infection, such as Epstein-Barr virus, herpes virus or glandular fever
  • Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia
  • Dysfunction in the immune system
  • Changes in the levels of hormones produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary glands or adrenal glands
  • Mild, chronic low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • A hormone imbalance 
  • Mental health problems, such as stress, depression and emotional trauma
  • Your genes – chronic fatigue syndrome seems to be more common in some families

The problem is, however, that in most cases no serious underlying infection or disease can be recognized as the cause of the chronic fatigue syndrome.

Are There Any Risk Factors?

Although many experts have proposed some risk factors, none of those have yet been proven to be related to this syndrome. The fact is that women are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome two to four times more often than men, but sex isn't a proven risk factor for the condition.

People under stress are at a high risk because stress is a significant factor, especially as a catalyst in the final stages of development and identification of the condition, affecting as many as 80 % of patients. [9]

Diagnosis Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Examination

The fact is that many people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome look surprisingly well and no one could really tell that they have any problems. However, it is believed that an appropriate examination is necessary because:

  • The lymph glands in the neck, under the arms or in the groin may be tender and swollen
  • The throat may be inflamed
  • Muscles may be tender

A Diagnosis Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is Based On Exclusion

Many diseases that display similar symptoms to those of CFS have to be ruled out [10]:

  • Infections such as brucellosis, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, AIDS and Epstein-Barr virus (which is responsible for glandular fever)
  • Anaemia
  • Certain forms of cancer
  • Endocrine abnormalities such as Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome
  • Thyroid problems
  • Liver disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Epilepsy
  • Auto-immune problems
  • Drug addiction
  • Alcoholism
  • Depression
  • Anxiety and conversion disorders

Complications Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There are several possible complications of chronic fatigue syndrome and some of the most common include [8]:

  • Depression, which is related both to symptoms and a lack of the timely diagnosis
  • Side effects and adverse reactions related to medication treatments
  • Side effects and adverse reactions associated with lack of activity
  • Social isolation caused by fatigue
  • Lifestyle restrictions because of the triggers
  • Frequent absence from work
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