For Children
Children experience fatigue for various reasons. Some medical conditions may include
- Diabetes - may be experiencing peeing more than usual, feeling thirsty, abdominal pain, weight loss.
- Glandular fever - may be experiencing swollen lymph nodes, sore throats, fevers.
- Sleep apnoea - these children may snore at night or gasp for breath while sleeping.
- Swollen tonsils - this is mostly due to recurrent sore throats.
It is important to ask questions to determine if any of these are likely.
For Adults
Similarly to children, there are many causes for persistent tiredness in adults.
- Diabetes - may be experiencing peeing more than usual, feeling thirsty, weight loss.
- Glandular fever - may be experiencing swollen lymph nodes, sore throats, fevers, flu like symptoms.
- Sleep apnoea - may snore at night or gasp for breath while sleeping.
- Cancers - these can cause unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats or unexplained fevers.
- Anaemia - this is due to low blood counts. It is often linked to low iron levels. Symptoms may include feeling short of breath, pale skin or reduced redness on the insides of the eyelid.
- Thyroid problems - this can cause muscle weakness, weight issues, heart palpitations.
Blood tests for being tired
Most patients who are tired all the time, will need some blood tests to rule out common issues. These will check for:
- Infection
- Blood count abnormalities
- Thyroid abnormalities
- Kidney or liver abnormalities
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Diabetes
- Anaemia