Differential Diagnosis for Extreme Fatigue
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Anemia: This is often considered a common cause of extreme fatigue due to the reduction in red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues and organs.
- Hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones, which are crucial for energy production and metabolism, making it a likely cause of fatigue.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Diabetes Mellitus: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause fatigue due to high blood sugar levels, which can lead to inflammation and damage to the body's cells.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), this is a long-term illness characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition.
- Depression: A mental health disorder that can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of energy or interest in activities, leading to extreme fatigue.
- Sleep Apnea: A serious sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and excessive daytime fatigue.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Addison's Disease: A rare disorder of the adrenal glands where not enough cortisol and aldosterone are produced, leading to fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure. Missing this diagnosis can be life-threatening.
- Heart Failure: A condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs.
- Lymphoma: A type of cancer that affects the immune system, causing fatigue, weight loss, and swelling in the lymph nodes.
- Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection that can cause fatigue, coughing, and weight loss, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Mitochondrial Myopathies: A group of disorders that affect the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells, leading to fatigue, muscle weakness, and other symptoms.
- Pernicious Anemia: A rare condition where the body cannot absorb vitamin B12, leading to fatigue, weakness, and neurological problems.
- Wilson's Disease: A rare genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the body, leading to fatigue, liver disease, and neurological symptoms.
- Chronic Lyme Disease: A condition caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which can cause fatigue, joint pain, and neurological symptoms if left untreated.