Differential Diagnosis for Extreme Fatigue
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: This condition is characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue is severe enough to interfere with daily activities and lasts for more than 6 months.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Anemia: A decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin can lead to a decrease in oxygen delivery to tissues, resulting in fatigue.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can cause fatigue, among other symptoms like weight gain and dry skin.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to fatigue, as well as other symptoms like increased thirst and urination.
- Sleep Apnea: This condition, characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, can lead to fatigue due to poor sleep quality.
- Depression: Fatigue is a common symptom of depression, often accompanied by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Heart Failure: Severe fatigue can be a symptom of heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD can cause fatigue due to poor lung function and decreased oxygen delivery to tissues.
- Cancer: Certain types of cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma, can cause fatigue as an early symptom.
- Addison's Disease: This rare condition, characterized by adrenal gland insufficiency, can cause fatigue, among other symptoms like weight loss and low blood pressure.
- Rare diagnoses
- Mitochondrial Myopathies: These are a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the mitochondria, leading to fatigue and muscle weakness.
- Porphyria: A group of rare genetic disorders that can cause fatigue, among other symptoms like abdominal pain and neurological problems.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that can cause fatigue, among other symptoms like joint hypermobility and skin hyperextensibility.
- Myasthenia Gravis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause fatigue, among other symptoms like muscle weakness and double vision.