Fatigue and Muscular weakness: Origins, signs, and remedies
Asthenia, a condition characterised by body weakness or a lack of energy, can be a symptom of various underlying health conditions, medications, and natural aging factors. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of asthenia, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Causes of Asthenia
Asthenia can stem from a multitude of sources. Medical illnesses such as anemia, cancer, chronic diseases like fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, heart and lung conditions, infections, and endocrine disorders like thyroid dysfunction can all lead to asthenia.
Nutritional deficiencies, including iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and electrolyte imbalances, can impair energy metabolism and cause fatigue. Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, bereavement, and eating disorders also contribute significantly to fatigue.
Hormonal imbalances, especially in older adults, can induce fatigue. For example, declining testosterone in older women leads to reduced muscle strength and fatigue, while cortisol imbalances (either excess or deficiency) cause sleep problems and low energy. Insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome can cause fatigue through poorly regulated blood sugar.
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, sleep apnea, shift work, and poor sleep hygiene, can cause or worsen fatigue. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antianxiety medications, medications to control high blood pressure, statins, and chemotherapy drugs, can also cause asthenia as a side effect.
With aging, there is a natural decline in hormone levels that support muscle mass, energy metabolism, cognitive function, and emotional well-being, contributing to asthenia. Older adults also tend to have increased prevalence of chronic diseases and nutritional deficiencies, further compounding fatigue. Age-related decline in sleep quality also increases fatigue risk.
Symptoms of Asthenia
Asthenia can affect specific body parts or the entire body. Regional weakness from asthenia occurs in certain body parts, such as the arms or legs, and may cause muscle spasms or cramps, shaking or tremors, delayed or slowed movement. Full-body weakness affects the entire body and may cause extreme tiredness or fatigue, fever, flu-like symptoms, tiredness, malaise, difficulty carrying out day-to-day tasks.
In some cases, asthenia may disappear following treatment for an acute illness, such as a course of antibiotics for a bacterial infection. However, asthenia can sometimes be a symptom of a life-threatening condition, such as a heart attack or stroke. Prompt treatment is vital to prevent complications and death.
Myasthenia and asthenia are different conditions, with myasthenia being an autoimmune disease that causes muscles to become weak and tire easily.
Treatment of Asthenia
The type of treatment a person receives for asthenia will depend on the cause of their asthenia. For example, treating an underlying infection or addressing nutritional deficiencies can help alleviate asthenia symptoms. In cases where medications are the cause, a doctor may adjust the dosage or prescribe alternative medications.
In some chronic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, ongoing rehabilitation, emotional support, and medications may be necessary for long-term management.
When to Seek Medical Attention
A person should seek emergency medical attention for asthenia symptoms that occur alongside symptoms of heart attack or stroke. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, disturbed vision in one or both eyes, difficulty walking, loss of balance, lack of coordination, dizziness, sudden and severe headache, paralysis of part of the body, pain, pressure, or squeezing sensations in the chest, pain or discomfort in the back, chest, neck, or jaw, pain in one or both arms, difficulty breathing, cold sweats, nausea, and lightheadedness.
In rare cases, asthenia could be a sign of a stroke or heart attack, both conditions can cause weakness in one or both sides of the body.
Living a Healthy Lifestyle
Living a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of chronic diseases that can cause asthenia. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and managing stress. If you are experiencing symptoms of asthenia, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Asthenia. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370664
[2] NHS. (2021). Asthenia. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthenia/
[3] Merck Manuals. (2021). Asthenia. [online] Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/neuromuscular-disorders-caused-by-generalized-muscle-disease/asthenia
[4] Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). Fatigue. [online] Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/fatigue
- Hepatitis, a type of liver disease, can sometimes lead to asthenia due to the body's weakened state.
- Colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, is a chronic disease that could contribute to the onset of asthenia.
- Predictive models in science are being developed to aid in the early detection of asthenia, potentially leading to earlier treatment.
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are examples of inflammatory bowel diseases that can cause asthenia as a symptom.
- Depression, a neurological disorder, is a mental health issue that can cause fatigue and is associated with asthenia.
- Asthma, a respiratory condition, can cause fatigue due to difficulty breathing and less oxygen supply to the body, which could lead to asthenia.
- Type 2 diabetes, a metabolic disease, is characterized by high blood sugar levels and can cause asthenia through various complications, such as nerve damage.
- HIV, a viral infection, can cause asthenia as a symptom, especially during advanced stages of the disease.
- Obesity, a health-and-wellness concern, is linked to various metabolic disorders, such as sleep apnea, which can cause asthenia.
- Atopic dermatitis, a skin disease, can cause fatigue through its effects on sleep quality and emotional well-being, contributing to the onset of asthenia.
