In our fast-paced world, it's probably no surprise that fatigue is one of the most common complaints that brings a patient to visit the doctor.
Although it's normal for people to be low on energy from time to time, long-term fatigue can be a warning signal that something in the body is out of whack.
The causes of fatigue are many -- ranging from simple lack of sleep to end-stage cardiopulmonary disease, said Dr. Grace O'Brien, a family physician in South Ogden.
"Fatigue is real," said Dr. Brent Williams, a family physician at Intermountain Healthcare in South Ogden and owner of Timeless Medical Spa and Weight Loss Clinic. "We're a high-paced, pushed society. We're overcommitted. We don't get enough sleep. All of us are tired.
"But there's no question that fatigue can also be caused by some very serious illnesses, so it's very important to see your doctor and get a thorough exam."
Thyroid disease, diabetes, liver failure, kidney disease, anemia, heart disease, obesity, viral illnesses, vitamin D and B12 deficiency, cancer and respiratory diseases can cause persistent fatigue.
Dr. Julie Rothgery, a family physician at Farr West Family Medicine, said normal fatigue usually doesn't interfere with a person's daily life. It also doesn't generally show up abruptly, and it doesn't persist.
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