Us TATTs, as docs call us: 'Tired all the time', a common yet nebulous symptom, can be difficult to manage, with numerous differentials...

[eekt]

From a GP learning site that you have to register with to access, so I've copied in a chunk below....SO if your GP says your fatigue is all in your head, you can tell him/her where to go......to LEARN ! 😁🤗 🤩 Be informed, be well xxx

gponline.com/red-flag-sympt...

'Tired all the time' (TATT), a common yet nebulous symptom, can be difficult to manage, with numerous differentials and the potential to miss serious illness.

However, nearly three-quarters of TATT episodes are isolated and will improve with time and careful communication. Clarifying the patient's concerns and expectations early may help to avoid progression to chronic fatigue.

Possible causes

Iron deficiency anaemia (menstruation)

Malignancy

Psychological illness

Social/lifestyle stressors

*****Systemic illness*****

History

In primary care we aim to distinguish between physical, psychological and lifestyle-related causes whilst at the same time excluding serious pathology. Taking a good history will be essential to narrowing down a potentially enormous array of differentials, all of which cannot be covered here. Specific points to consider include:

Appetite - loss can suggest serious pathology, but a poor diet and inadequate hydration can also cause fatigue.

Menstruation - menorrhagia leading to anaemia, oligo/amenorrhoea (for example, due to menopause, pregnancy).

Neurological symptoms - Parkinson's, MS, neurodegenerative conditions.

Polyuria/nocturia - diabetes, kidney disease.

Recent illness, risk factors for chronic infection such as TB, HIV or hepatitis.

***** Symptoms of inflammatory or autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease, Addison's, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease.*****

[Lupiknits]

eekt strikes again! Come on GPS, scrub up your continuing education.