Fatigue

What is Fatigue?

A lack of energy & motivation, both physically & mentally, is called "Fatigue." It is quite unusual than drowsiness, which is a term used to describe the urge to sleep. This condition is entirely up to the doctor and health care practitioner to distinguish between the two when a patient complains of feeling generally tired. However, both fatigue and drowsiness can occur at the same time. Leaving aside drowsiness, other symptoms that can be confused with fatigue includes running out of breath with small activity along with weak muscles. Well, all these symptoms can happen at the same time.

Note that fatigue can be rational and a standard response to strenuous physical and mental activity. In healthy persons, fatigue is relieved in a short matter of time. It usually takes hours to about a day, solely depending on the intensity of fatigue. Remember that fatigue is a widespread complaint and is purely a symptom and not a disease.

Symptoms:

There has always been some underlying cause of fatigue.

People define fatigue in several different ways. Usually, all the descriptions include a combination of mental and physical tiredness and weakness, lack of energy, prolonged hours of tiredness and exhaustion, lack of motivation to work, trouble in concentrating, and difficulty in finishing the assigned tasks.

Symptoms of fatigue include:

• Fainting
• Loss of Consciousness
• Near-syncope
• Rapid palpitations
• Dizziness
• Vertigo.

The presence of these symptoms in a patient's body, help health care professional, and doctor, to ascertain the underlying cause of the fatigue.

Other symptoms include:

• Fainting.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Bleeding.

Diagnosis:

A physical exam will be conducted post obtaining the medical history of a patient. This physical examination shall focus on calculating the patient's vital signs like blood pressure levels, heart rate, temperature, rate of breathing, etc. The health care practitioner will also observe the patient's general appearance. To get a better look, the professional will listen to the lungs, heart, and abdomen, and also perform a rectal examination. The following tests will be recommended by the doctor depending on the suspected cause of the fatigue.

Blood test - this test will be advised to get information about infections, etc.

Urinalysis - This test will help gain information regarding diabetes, infection, etc.

Fatigue Treatment and Cost in India

The therapy for fatigue depends upon the underlying cause or causes. A few treatments for conditions that provoke fatigue comprises of medications, vitamins, exercise, and antibiotics. Fatigue's medical therapy depends upon the underlying causes. Opportunely, several reasons for fatigue can be cured with a dosage of medications. For example, anaemia can be cured with iron supplements; medications are available to cure sleep apnea, control excess blood sugar, regulate thyroid function. There are many antibiotics available in the market to cure infections, vitamins, etc. A doctor can also recommend a few dietary changes and recommend a suitable exercise program. As always, treatment of the underlying cause is the key to therapy of the symptom of fatigue.

Health care practitioner can also recommend a treatment plan that will depend on what's causing the occurrence of fatigue.

The cost of dietician, nutritionist, and therapist in India starts around Rs.1000 and can vary according to the place and severity of the fatigue.

Health Insurance in India

Here are a few key points to consider while looking for health insurance plans:

1. The coverage size of the insurance plan - As the inflation rate is soaring high along with the medical cost, purchasing a health insurance plan will keep an individual, and his family covered against any untoward event.
2. It is recommended to consult a doctor before obtaining an insurance plan as medical coverage might have different conditions associated with it. Understand these conditions clearly before signing the final deal.
3. Pay attention to the ratio of claims approved by the insurance company you are planning to buy your insurance plan.

Major reasons to buy a health plan:

1. Befall of severe diseases may require extensive hospitalization. This might result in a severe financial liability and can affect an individual’s savings if he/she has not invested in a health insurance plan.
2. Rising treatment expenses is worrisome.

Most common diseases in India

The healthcare industry is continually transforming with a wide array of products and services.

Individuals are becoming health conscious day in and day out. However, unnecessary workload, fast-paced lifestyle, and raising alterations in the environment have severely affected the wellness of people in India.

The diseases, for which maximum health insurance claims are taken, in India:

• Respiratory diseases
• Tuberculosis
• Tumours and malignant
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Digestive diseases
• Unintentional Injuries
• Diarrheal Diseases
• Fever and infections (especially malaria)