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Fatigue - causes and help with fatigue
Psychological triggers play an increasingly important role when it comes to chronic fatigue. In burnout syndrome, for example, those affected feel completely burned out, emotionally exhausted, and have no energy to master their everyday lives. If the fatigue occurs permanently and goes beyond a normal feeling of "slackness", a doctor should always be consulted. This can clarify the cause and if necessary initiate necessary therapeutic steps.
contents
- Symptoms of fatigue
- Causes of fatigue and exhaustion
- Fatigue from a cold
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Exhaustion depression / burn-out
- Fatigue in children
- Help for exhausted children
- treatment
- Naturopathy with exhaustion
- New power through the right diet
- water applications
- Medicinal plants against stress
Symptoms of fatigue
When exhausted and overworked, the body reacts with certain "warning signals", which, however, are often not perceived appropriately in everyday life but instead dismissed as a harmless "zipper" or even ignored. As a result, the burden increases, the negative stress continues to increase, thereby increasing the risk of physical and psychological problems such as, for example, a fainting spell, cardiovascular disease or depression is increasing. To avoid exhaustion, care should therefore be taken early on on physical stress reactions and respond accordingly.
Chronic fatigue has far-reaching effects on the daily lives of those affected. Identifying the causes is often difficult. (Image: detailblick-foto / fotolia.com) Typical symptoms include shoulder, back and neck tensions, headaches, increased susceptibility to infections, digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation, chronic fatigue, insomnia and lack of concentration.
Sudden dizziness (such as getting up quickly), teeth grinding, weakness in drive, or ringing in the ears are often a sign that the batteries have literally "run empty" and the body needs urgent rest and regeneration.
Causes of fatigue and exhaustion
Every now and then, to feel chipped, exhausted and tired, everyone probably knows. There may be many reasons for this, many of which are temporary weaknesses, e.g. caused by too little sleep or an eventful, stressful day. An intense sports training, long car rides or a time-consuming journey can lead us to lose our energy, as well as an emotionally or psychologically stressful situation (for example loss of a close person, separation)..
In other cases, the feeling of fatigue lasts longer and to a very great extent, which can be caused inter alia by diseases of the cardiovascular system such as cardiac arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, heart failure or high blood pressure. Other possible triggers include cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism, anemia, circulatory problems and infectious diseases are possible. Similarly, certain medications (such as antihypertensives, tranquilizers, migraine drugs or anticancer agents), alcohol abuse and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (anorexia nervosa) or bulimia may be responsible for chronic fatigue.
Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders or a burn-out syndrome are possible. As a result, sufferers experience chronic fatigue and are constantly exhausted, although objectively there is no excessive burden.
Fatigue from a cold
Often a flu-like infection (cold) is the reason. This is an acute upper respiratory tract infection that is one of the most common diseases. A common cold is usually caused by viruses (such as rhino or coronaviruses) that are transmitted via small saliva droplets when speaking, coughing or sneezing from person to person (droplet infection).
Often influenza infection is the reason for the weakness and fatigue. (Image: Gina Sanders / fotolia.com) Susceptibility is particularly high when the immune system of the body is e.g. is weakened anyway due to persistent stress, lack of sleep or medication. In addition, due to a limited defense in some cases in addition to a bacterial infection ("mixed infection" or "superinfection"). Streptococci and pneumococci are often the "culprits", which can cause a more severe course of the common cold and can lead to complications such as lung or otitis media.
A flu infection can be associated with many different symptoms, which may vary from case to case. Most sufferers initially notice difficulty swallowing as well as a scratching, burning and dry feeling in the throat. Due to the attacked nasal mucosa often sneezing, tingling and itching in the nose are often added.
In addition, coughing, runny nose and hoarseness may occur. General symptoms such as severe tiredness and fatigue, shivering, increased temperature, limb and headache are also typical.
When children catch cold, fever is common. Upper respiratory tract inflammation may spread to other areas, resulting in, for example, bronchitis with symptoms such as purulent sputum, chest pain or chest burning.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
If the fatigue persists, the so-called "chronic fatigue syndrome" (myalgic encephalomyelitis) is considered, which is often referred to as "chronic fatigue syndrome" (CFS). It is a very complex and difficult to grasp disease that can cause different symptoms.
Characteristic is especially a debilitating mental and physical exhaustion that usually occurs suddenly, lasting more than six months and can not be alleviated by rest or sleep. Due to the constant fatigue, it comes to a strong reduction in performance, typical are also physical complaints such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, sleep disorders, pain in the neck and joints, muscle weakness and difficulty concentrating.
Common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include increased irritability, depressive moods and increased forgetfulness. However, the severity of the syndrome may be quite different overall from case to case. Accordingly, some sufferers experience only a few complaints in a mild form, while others are so severely restricted that participation in "normal" life is no longer possible.
What causes the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not yet clear, but rather a variety of factors are discussed, which could come as a trigger or amplifier in question. These include e.g. Infectious diseases or their pathogens such as the Epstein-Barr virus, certain herpes viruses or intestinal fungi (Candida albicans). Hormonal imbalances or immune system disorders as well as mental stress due to stress, separations, loss of a close person or other traumatic experiences are considered. Often, a familial predisposition is suspected.
Burnout patients feel a sense of utter burnout. (Image: foto_tech / fotolia.com) Exhaustion depression / burn-out
A so-called "burn-out syndrome" (also called "exhaustion depression") can be responsible for the fatigue, with this term is usually already described the state of complete physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. As the name suggests, burnout sufferers usually feel completely burnt out and empty inside, which does not happen abruptly, but in most cases develops over a longer period of time.
Frequently people are affected, who identify themselves with their occupation to a high extent and in this strong for other people, at the same time, however, only a slight recognition by superiors or the like. (such as teachers, doctors or nurses).
In general, however, burnout can also affect anyone else, e.g. experienced heavy burdens or excessive demands in the professional and / or private sector. These include bullying, prolonged stress, unresolved conflicts, existential fears or a negative atmosphere in the workplace. Often it is also assumed that the development of a burnout syndrome is promoted by an interaction of stress in the job and mental factors. Particularly strong ambition, perfectionism, a pronounced sense of responsibility ("helper syndrome"), lack of stress management strategies and the fear of loss of control are considered particularly risky.
Even those who define themselves primarily about their work and other areas such as family, friends, hobbies, etc. considered less important, runs the risk that the "batteries" empty. The reason lies in the lack of balance to the daily stress, the stress, frustration and potential conflicts that are experienced in the job.
Since a burn-out is not a uniform clinical picture, very different physical or psychological symptoms can occur, which, however, generally develop creepingly. Accordingly, it is typical for the early phase that the person concerned invests a great deal of time and energy in his work, so that a "shutdown" and thus recovery and regeneration is hardly possible. As a result, while successes are experienced in the job, nevertheless arises through the constant "being driven" and the lack of balance more and more dissatisfaction and frustration.
There is a decline in performance, chronic fatigue and fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety and panic attacks and depressive signs such as depression, joylessness, withdrawal from social life and a sense of inner emptiness. The massive mental stress is also expressed by physical complaints, which often show up at the beginning of the disease. These include, for example, headache and backache, dizziness, insomnia, muscle tension, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, high blood pressure and an increased susceptibility to infection.
If the exhaustion depression is not treated, the further course is characterized by a feeling of utter despair and hopelessness at worst. Life seems pointless for the person concerned and the risk of suicidal thoughts is extremely high. Accordingly, early treatment is all the more important.
Fatigue in children
If children appear severely impaired, there may be physical or psychological reasons why a decreased performance, severe fatigue and increased irritability occur. Often, exhausted children are particularly contentious, cry a lot, and bother themselves with things that are not normally a problem.
Exhaustion can be on the one hand a normal reaction of the body, after the child has experienced, for example, a drastic change (schooling, kindergarten, etc.) or a heavy burden (death of a close person, separation of parents, etc.). Children can quickly lose their energy due to excessive demands at school or too much "leisure stress" in the form of daily offers, appointments and sports training. The same applies if not slept sufficiently, but instead, for example. In the evening, spending a long time in front of the TV or at the computer.
Fatigue in children can be affected by drastic experiences, such as the separation of the parents, be evoked. (Image: /fotolia.com) ulianna19970 There is often a sense of exhaustion after a passing infectious disease, because the body must first recover from the strain in order to be "fully operational" again. Accordingly, it is natural for a child to have an increased need for rest and relaxation first. However, this lasts longer than 14 days and / or is accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, headache or similar. accompanied, the pediatrician should be visited.
If the fatigue persists for longer and is accompanied by a sad, depressed mood, children may already be depressed. Typical of this are a general lack of desire and listlessness, sadness, fears and increased shyness as well as lack of experience (in small children). Other signs include expressionless face, frequent crying, withdrawal from friends or changes in eating habits and sleep disorders.
Since even younger children still lack the ability to verbalize the feeling of sadness and depression, depressive moods are often described as "abdominal pain" or "headache", which further complicates the diagnosis. In general, however, it is true that not all symptoms necessarily indicate a depressive illness, because a child from time to time turned back and shows no motivation, is completely normal. However, parents should always take the "warning signs" seriously and, if they suspect depression, seek expert help from family or youth counseling centers or a child or adolescent psychologist.
If the fatigue in children occurs in combination with fever and / or lymph node swelling, an infectious disease such as Pfeiffer glandular fever or chronic inflammation (e.g., "pediatric rheumatism").
If there is an itchy rash on the whole body or on certain parts of the body next to the fever, children's diseases such as measles, chickenpox, rubella or scarlet fever may be considered.
Accompanying symptoms, such as facial pallor, circulatory problems, dizziness or headache, may indicate anemia. If this in turn is caused by an iron deficiency (iron deficiency anemia), symptoms such as brittle nails, reduced appetite, torn corners of the mouth, hair loss, dry skin or mouth burning often occur.
Another cause may be diabetes mellitus type 1 ("diabetes mellitus"), which is a common chronic childhood and adolescent disease. In this metabolic disease, the pancreas can no longer produce enough vital insulin, which is necessary to bring sugar from the blood into the cells. If there is a deficiency, the sugar in the blood, which increases the blood sugar level and thus the risk of complications such as circulatory disorders, disorders of kidney function, heart attack or stroke increases.
Affected children and adolescents must therefore inject the hormone regularly throughout their lives to compensate for the insulin deficiency. Diabetes type 1 is characterized by a constant fatigue and fatigue, strong thirst, frequent urination and dry, itchy skin. In addition, weight loss and an increased susceptibility to infections usually occur
Help for exhausted children
If children are chopped off and exhausted, this should in any case be taken seriously and "treated" with due care, because they often lack the means to verbalize overburdening, sadness, fears or worries. Accordingly, it is particularly important that the children have room to express and process negative feelings. Parents should try to fathom the cause of fatigue or sadness with great patience and understanding, especially as they are often events that seem rather banal from an adult perspective but are very distressing to the child.
If children are exhausted, parents should take it seriously and find out why. (Picture: Picture-Factory / fotolia.com) If the fatigue can be traced back to changes in the child's life or excessive demands, it is often enough to "slow down" everyday life altogether and thus give the child the opportunity to recharge their batteries. Parents should be careful to absorb mental stress as much as possible and to plan the time after the day care or school as little as possible in order to provide the child with as much rest as possible.
It is important to ensure that the child sleeps well and well. This is facilitated in most cases if the child is no longer unlimited in the evening of stimuli through television, computer games or similar. "Flooded" is. In spite of this, if exhaustion persists over a longer period of time, a pediatrician should always be consulted as a precaution to clarify the cause and to rule out physical illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, chronic inflammation or an infectious disease.
treatment
In case of exhaustion, treatment is not always necessary. If it is a "normal" reaction of the body to stress, special events or physical overload, it usually regulates itself again as soon as the strain subsides or a break has been taken. If the exhaustion persists for a longer period of time, however, a doctor should be consulted in any case in order to clarify the trigger and if necessary to be able to initiate therapeutic steps.
The specific treatment depends on the cause. For example, if there is a bacterial infectious disease, in addition to rest and recovery as needed can help drugs such as antibiotics, even in a hormonal disorder such as hypothyroidism, the missing thyroid hormones are usually replaced by medication.
In general, it is advisable to look for acute restraint, fatigue and weakness on much rest and protection and to avoid strong physical and mental efforts. Ensure a healthy lifestyle with sufficient sleep, balanced nutrition and regular physical activity, here can provide nutritional advice or a professional sports coaching helpful support.
If stress or other mental stress is the cause of the permanent fatigue, relaxation techniques and exercises for stress reduction can be very useful. Procedures such as yoga, autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation help to lower the stress level, recharge your batteries and relieve discomfort.
Especially with serious illnesses such as burnout or depression, however, professional therapeutic help should always be used.
Naturopathy with exhaustion
Overwork, stress and exhaustion can quickly become a serious threat to the health of the body and mind. It is all the more important to analyze the causes precisely. In case of persistent fatigue, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before a natural treatment in order to exclude physical-organic causes.
Generally, naturopathy recommends being exhausted and feeling "empty" and "burned out", respecting a healthy, natural way of life to give the body and psyche the opportunity to recover from the hardships. These include, but are not limited to, regular exercises for relaxation such as exercise. Autogenic training, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga or tai chi.
Relaxation exercises support the regeneration of body and psyche. (Image: Syda Productions / fotolia.com) Schüssler salts are well suited for the natural treatment of fatigue as a result of a physical and / or mental overstrain. In question are, inter alia, the salts no. 2 (Calcium Phosphoricum), No. 5 (potassium phosphoricum) and No. 7 (Magnesium Phosphoricum). The drug of choice and the dosage and duration of use should be discussed in advance with a naturopath or naturopathic doctor.
New power through the right diet
It is recommended that the diet is as balanced as possible, rich in wholemeal bread, fresh fruit, raw vegetables, nuts, etc., and regular exercise in the open air and sufficient fluids (at least 2 liters daily) in the form of water, unsweetened tea or similar. Since the cause of chronic fatigue is often iron deficiency, in some cases, various home remedies for iron deficiency can help rejuvenate the body. Here are mainly food with high iron content such. beets, carrots, nuts and leafy vegetables such as fennel or lamb's lettuce in question.
water applications
In addition, offers, for example, Kneipp's hydrotherapy, which uses the healing power of water to provide the body with new energy when exhausted, thereby improving physical and mental well-being. In question is, inter alia, the classic "water treading", which can be done in a stream, but also as a Kneipp cure in your own bathroom. For this, fill the bathtub about half full with cold water. Then walk around in this for about a minute in the "stork step" or step on the spot. It is important that at each step the leg is completely lifted out of the water.
Alternatively, cold-hot showers can be very pleasant and revitalizing when worn.
New energy through alternating showers
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Medicinal plants against stress
As an accompanying and supporting measure, medicinal plants can be usefully used. Here, for example, the ginseng root has proven to strengthen the body in case of stress, weakness and reduced performance. Ginseng is available in various forms (capsules, tea, dried or fresh root, syrup, etc.), but this should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus or arteriosclerosis should be avoided.
Especially in case of mental exhaustion due to persistent stress, valerian, guarana and mate are also available. If stress such as grief, worry or anxiety is the cause of a feeling of depression and emptiness, St. John's wort and lavender have proved their worth.
Medicinal plants such as stinging nettles or dandelion contain a lot of iron and are therefore suitable for pure or as a tea very well to replenish the memory in the event of a deficiency and to counteract the exhaustion. (nr, last updated on 19.7.2017)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)