Fatigue — persistent tiredness or lack of energy — is one of the most common complaints in primary care. While occasional tiredness is normal, ongoing fatigue that interferes with daily life can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. At Norvinia Health, Dr. Mamta Ojha takes a thorough approach to identifying the cause of fatigue and developing an effective treatment plan.
Common Causes of Fatigue
- Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep
- Anemia (low iron or vitamin B12/folate deficiency)
- Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
- Depression and anxiety
- Chronic stress
- Diabetes or blood sugar imbalances
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Chronic infections
- Heart or lung disease
- Certain medications
- Poor diet or dehydration
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Autoimmune conditions
When Fatigue Needs Urgent Attention
Some accompanying symptoms warrant prompt evaluation, including:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- Fever that doesn’t resolve
- Significant swelling in the legs
- Blood in stool or urine
How Is Fatigue Evaluated?
Because fatigue has so many possible causes, evaluation starts with a detailed history covering sleep habits, mood, diet, medications, and any other symptoms. Testing often includes:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Thyroid function tests
- Iron studies and vitamin B12/folate levels
- Blood glucose or A1c
- Kidney and liver function tests
- Sleep study, when obstructive sleep apnea is suspected
- Screening for depression and anxiety
Treatment Approaches
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. This may include correcting nutritional deficiencies, treating thyroid disorders, managing diabetes, improving sleep hygiene, treating sleep apnea, addressing mental health concerns, or adjusting medications that may be contributing to tiredness. Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management, are often an important part of treatment as well.
The Importance of Regular Primary Care
Persistent fatigue should not be dismissed as simply “being tired.” Dr. Mamta Ojha takes the time to investigate the root cause of fatigue and build a personalized care plan to help you feel like yourself again.
If you have been feeling unusually tired for more than a few weeks, schedule an appointment with Norvinia Health today.
References
American Academy of Family Physicians — Evaluation of Fatigue in Adults.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) — Fatigue and Related Conditions.
