Differential Diagnosis for Feeling Tired
The symptom of feeling tired is a common complaint that can have numerous causes. Here's a categorized differential diagnosis:
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Anemia or Iron Deficiency: This is often a common cause of tiredness due to the lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin that carry oxygen to different parts of the body.
- Depression: Fatigue is a key symptom of depression, which can also include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin among other symptoms.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sleep Apnea: This condition, characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, can lead to poor sleep quality and daytime tiredness.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can cause fatigue, among other symptoms like increased thirst and urination.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A condition characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as sedatives and antidepressants, can cause drowsiness and fatigue as a side effect.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Heart Failure: Fatigue can be a symptom of heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
- Cancer: Certain types of cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma, can cause fatigue due to the disease itself or its treatment.
- Adrenal Insufficiency: A condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, leading to fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure.
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions like insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or narcolepsy can significantly impact sleep quality and lead to daytime tiredness.
Rare Diagnoses
- Mitochondrial Myopathies: A group of disorders that affect the mitochondria, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue.
- Myasthenia Gravis: An autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness and fatigue, particularly after periods of activity.
- Pernicious Anemia: A rare condition caused by a lack of vitamin B12, leading to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
- Wilson's Disease: A genetic disorder that leads to copper accumulation in the body, causing fatigue, liver disease, and neurological symptoms.