Differential Diagnosis for Fatigue
The following is a list of potential causes for feeling tired, categorized by likelihood and potential impact.
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Anemia or Iron Deficiency: This is a common condition that can cause fatigue due to a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Sleep Disorders (e.g., Insomnia, Sleep Apnea): Poor sleep quality or duration can significantly contribute to feelings of tiredness.
- Depression: A mental health condition that often presents with fatigue, among other symptoms like mood changes and loss of interest in activities.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms due to a decrease in metabolic rate.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A condition characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition.
- Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake can lead to feelings of tiredness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to fatigue, among other severe complications like ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.
- Heart Failure: Reduced cardiac output can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms that can be life-threatening if not addressed.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A progressive lung disease that can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other respiratory symptoms.
- Adrenal Insufficiency: A condition where the adrenal glands do not produce adequate hormones, leading to fatigue, weight loss, and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Rare diagnoses
- Addison's Disease: A rare endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, leading to fatigue, weight loss, and other symptoms.
- Mitochondrial Myopathies: A group of rare genetic disorders that affect the mitochondria, leading to fatigue, muscle weakness, and other systemic symptoms.
- Sleep Disorders like Narcolepsy: A neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.