Fatigue: Symptoms

What other symptoms might occur with fatigue?

Fatigue may occur with other symptoms that vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. For example, fatigue caused by hypothyroidism may be associated with dry, brittle hair, hair loss, unusual weight gain, and possibly goiter (neck swelling due to enlargement of the thyroid gland). Fatigue associated with depression may occur with excessive crying, insomnia and apathy.

Symptoms that may occur with fatigue include:

• Apathy (feeling indifferent to your surroundings)

• Depression

• Diarrhea or vomiting

• Difficulty concentrating

• Flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, headache, cough, aches and pains)

• Loss of appetite

• Pain

• Symptoms of hypothyroidism (unexpected weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, and cold intolerance)

• Unexplained weight loss

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, fatigue can indicate a serious or life-threatening condition, such as acute heart failure or gastrointestinal bleeding, which should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms:

• Abdominal swelling or severe abdominal pain

• Bleeding symptoms, such as bloody urine, vomiting blood, rectal bleeding, or bloody stools

• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness

• Change in mental status or sudden behavior change, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations and delusions

• Chest pain, chest tightness, or chest pressure

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Heart palpitations

• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

• Not producing any urine

• Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking

• Seizure

• Stiff neck, possibly with a rash, nausea and vomiting, fever,  and confusion

• Swelling (edema), including swollen lymph nodes