section name header

Table 29-1

Potential Causes of Generalized Fatigue

Disease CategoryExamples
InfectionHIV, TB, Lyme disease, endocarditis, hepatitis, sinusitis, fungal, EBV, malaria (chronic phase)
Inflammatory diseaseRA, polymyalgia rheumatica, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, sarcoidosis
CancerLung, GI, breast, prostate, leukemia, lymphoma, metastases
PsychiatricDepression, alcoholism, chronic anxiety
MetabolicHypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, Addison's disease, hyperparathyroidism, hypogonadism, hypopituitarism (TSH, ACTH, growth hormone deficiency), McArdle's disease
Electrolyte imbalanceHypercalcemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia
Nutrition, vitamin deficiencyStarvation, obesity, iron deficiency, vitamin B12, folic acid deficiency, vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), thiamine deficiency (beriberi)
NeurologicMultiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, dementia
CardiacHeart failure, CAD, valvular disease, cardiomyopathy
PulmonaryCOPD, pulmonary hypertension, chronic pulmonary emboli, sarcoidosis
Sleep disturbancesSleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome
GastrointestinalCeliac disease, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis
HematologicAnemia
RenalRenal failure
MedicationSedatives, antihistamines, narcotics, β blockers, and many other medications

Abbreviations: ACTH, adrenocorticotropin hormone; CAD, coronary artery disease; COPD; chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder; EBV, Epstein-Barr virus; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; TSH, thyroid-stimulating hormone.