case 13 - tiredness Flashcards
what main conditions can cause tiredness?
blood-related = anaemia, underactive thyroid, coeliac disease, diabetes, glandular fever
head-related = depression, anxiety
sleep-related = chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome
what’s the difference between tiredness and fatigue?
tiredness = can be relieved by sleep and rest
fatigue = overwhelming tiredness that cannot be relieved by sleep and rest
what type of anaemias are associated with tiredness?
most commonly, iron-deficiency anaemia (type of microcytic anaemia)
also, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia (type of macrocytic anaemia)
who is at a high risk of developing iron-deficiency anaemia?
women with heavy periods (menorrhagia)
pregnant women
what is the most common cause of anaemia in men and postmenopausal women?
problems with the stomach and intestines
e.g. ulcer OR taking NSAIDs
why and how can NSAIDs cause anaemia?
decrease the activity of blood platelets = decreased clot formation
= increased risk of bleeding and ulcer formation
= can lead to anaemia
what is an ulcer?
a localised breach/sore (gap, erosion) in the surface continuity of the skin or mucous membrane (stomach, small intestine, oesophagus)
besides anaemia, which (opposite) blood condition can cause tiredness?
haemochromatosis
what is haemochromatosis?
rare inherited condition that affect men and women between 30-60
build-up of iron in the body leading to iron-overload
(deposition in the liver, joint pancreas etc)
who does haemochromatosis affect most?
men and women between 30-60
what is sleep apnoea?
a condition where your throat narrows or closes during sleep and repeatedly interrupts your breathing
what does sleep apnoea result in?
loud snoring
decrease in blood oxygen levels
what is the main symptoms/impact of sleep apnoea?
waking up often during the night
feeling exhausted the next day (due to disrupted sleep)
who is affected by sleep apnoea the most?
overweight middle-aged men
what factors worsen sleep apnoea?
increased alcohol and smoking
what is an underactive thyroid?
too little thyroid hormone (thyroxine) in your body
due to reduced production by the thyroid gland
besides tiredness, what are the additional symptoms of an underactive thyroid?
weight gain
aching muscles
dry skin
what is an underactive thyroid alternatively known as?
hypothyroidism
how can an underactive thyroid be diagnosed?
blood test (to test TSH, T4 levels)
who is most likely to be affect by hypothyroidism?
women as they get older
who is most likely to be affected by hypothyroidism?
women as they get older
what is coeliac disease?
autoimmune condition wherein the immune system overreacts to the gluten ingested in the diet
(i.e. small intestine is hypersensitive to gluten = leading to difficulty in digesting food)
what is gluten?
a protein in wheat, barley and rye
(helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a glue that holds food together)
which foods are gluten-rich?
can be found in foods like pasta, bread, cakes and cereals








