Vague Symptoms

What are vague symptoms?

Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. Sometimes, vague symptoms are actually related to depression. Medications, chronic pain, or certain diseases can all cause vague or nonspecific symptoms.

Common physical causes for vague symptoms include allergies, infections, chronic diseases, psychological disorders, or the use of alcohol or other substances. Other factors, such as difficulty sleeping or malnutrition, can lead to vague symptoms. Depending on the cause, vague symptoms may occur daily or just once in a while, and they may include multiple physical or psychological symptoms.

Depression can lead to vague symptoms, such as agitation, anxiety or fatigue. Certain types of medications, including high blood pressure medicine, antihistamines, or diuretics, can cause vague symptoms. Other substances that may lead to vague symptoms are sedatives, alcohol, cocaine, or narcotics. Chronic diseases or pain may cause vague symptoms, including Addison’s disease, fibromyalgia, diabetes, or lupus.

Vague symptoms are rarely indicative of an emergency condition. However, seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, note that the vague symptoms are accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), confusion, or suicidal thoughts.