As the year winds down, many of us are feeling the weight of fatigue. sometiems it’s a normal feeling, other times it’s something more concerning. This pervasive sense of exhaustion,often called “asthenia,” can become a source of worry.
“Patients often feel anxious because they don’t know what’s wrong,” explains Dr. Lama Giovansili, an endocrinologist. To differentiate between temporary fatigue and a more critically important health issue,it’s important to look for specific accompanying symptoms.
When exhaustion hits hard, specific symptoms are red flags that call for a doctor’s visit. “for example, fatigue coupled with fever, cough, diarrhea, severe pain, or shortness of breath should prompt a consultation,” advises Dr. Giovansili. “First and foremost, a thorough clinical examination and initial blood work are essential to uncover the root cause of the asthenia. And don’t forget a pregnancy test for women,” he adds.
Asthenia could point to anemia (iron deficiency), other nutrient deficiencies, thyroid problems (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), a lack of cortisol (adrenal insufficiency), diabetes, kidney dysfunction, autoimmune inflammatory diseases (like polyarthritis), or even an infection (COVID or another).
“It’s crucial to stop the cycle of unnecessary tests and reassure the patient.”
Fatigue can also mask chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This is a lasting sense of exhaustion that has persisted for over six months, accompanied by various symptoms like muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, unrefreshing sleep, and a general malaise lasting more than 24 hours after exertion. The causes of this syndrome remain unclear.
“There are many theories. Some believe it has psychosomatic roots, while others consider it a disabling illness with an unknown organic cause,” explains the endocrinologist. Although CFS doesn’t typically lead to specific complications, its management is challenging because “the treatments are often ineffective and not standardized,” according to our expert. There is no specific cure, but options include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), gradual physical activity (walking, swimming, cycling), and symptomatic relief with painkillers and antidepressants.
Sometimes, the underlying causes of unusual fatigue remain elusive. “After conducting the necessary tests, and in the absence of any suggestive context or symptoms pointing towards cardiac, respiratory, or cancer issues, it’s vital to halt unnecessary investigations or avoid labeling it as a subclinical problem (which doesn’t cause detectable manifestations) that could further ensnare the patient in a search for an explanation for their symptoms, complicating their long and complex care journey. It’s important to stop the cycle of unnecessary tests and reassure the patient,” cautions Dr. Giovansili. Finding lasting energy may sometimes simply involve lifestyle changes. “It’s about learning to live with your condition, managing your energy, working on yourself, addressing anxiety and stress, and incorporating regular physical activity,” concludes our conversation partner.
What are the primary differences between asthenia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?
Q&A with Dr. Lama Giovansili: Understanding Asthenia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Giovansili. As we approach the year’s end,manny people express feelings of fatigue. Can you please define asthenia for our readers and explain when it becomes a cause for concern?
Dr. Lama Giovansili: Thank you for having me. Asthenia refers to a pervasive sense of exhaustion that can be a normal part of seasonal fatigue but sometimes indicates a more critical health issue. It’s important for individuals to differentiate between temporary fatigue and symptoms that warrant medical consultation. Specifically, if fatigue is coupled with fever, cough, diarrhea, severe pain, or shortness of breath, these are red flags that should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional.
Time.news Editor: Those symptoms sound alarming. What initial steps do you recommend when someone is experiencing severe fatigue?
Dr. Lama Giovansili: First and foremost, a thorough clinical examination is essential. Initial blood work can uncover potential root causes of the fatigue. It’s also crucial for women to receive a pregnancy test, as this can frequently enough be a contributing factor to non-specific fatigue.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned various health conditions that asthenia could indicate, such as anemia, thyroid problems, or even diabetes. Are there specific tests that can help differentiate these conditions?
Dr. Lama Giovansili: Yes, indeed. Blood tests can help identify anemia, thyroid function abnormalities, or diabetes. However, sometimes the underlying causes of fatigue remain elusive after conducting all necessary tests. In such cases, it’s essential to avoid unnecessary investigations, as this can complicate the patient’s care journey. As I often say, “It’s crucial to stop the cycle of unnecessary tests and reassure the patient.”
Time.news Editor: That’s incredibly helpful advice. What about chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)? How is it related to general fatigue,and what are the key features that differentiate CFS from other types of fatigue?
Dr. Lama Giovansili: CFS is characterized by a lasting sense of exhaustion that has persisted for over six months, and it comes with various symptoms like muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, and unrefreshing sleep. One distinctive feature of CFS is that the malaise can last more than 24 hours after physical exertion. The exact causes remain unclear, with some theories suggesting psychosomatic roots, while others propose it is a disabling illness with an unknown organic cause.
Time.news Editor: What are the treatment options for individuals experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome, considering that there’s no specific cure?
Dr. Lama Giovansili: Management of CFS can indeed be quite challenging. While there’s no one-size-fits-all cure, treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), gradual physical activity, like walking or swimming, and symptomatic relief through painkillers and antidepressants. The focus should be on holistic management strategies.
Time.news Editor: For our readers who are struggling with fatigue but may not have a clear diagnosis, what practical advice do you have for improving their energy levels and well-being?
Dr. Lama giovansili: Finding lasting energy often involves making lifestyle changes. It’s important to learn how to live with your condition by managing your energy levels, addressing anxiety and stress, and incorporating regular physical activity into your routine. Small changes can lead to important improvements in how you feel.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Giovansili, for these insights. Your advice on managing asthenia and CFS is invaluable as many people navigate the complexities of these conditions.
Dr. Lama Giovansili: Thank you for the prospect to share this details. It’s imperative to raise awareness about fatigue and its implications on health, as understanding these conditions can lead to better management and well-being for those affected.