Tired all the time

Differential diagnosis

  • Malignancy – haematological, other
  • Anaemia
  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Mood
  • Lifestyle
  • Sleep

 

Data gathering

  • Red flags – weight loss, night sweats
  • Others – passing urine, thirst, sleep, bowel changes, snoring, mood
  • Examine – BMI, anaemia

 

Clinical management

  • Investigations
    • Bloods – FBC, U+Es, LFTs, TFTs, CRP, ESR
    • Urine dip
  • Explanation
    • Tiredness is a common problem – we will try to eliminate any medical causes for tiredness e.g. diabetes, anaemia, underactive thyroid, sleep problems, anxiety/low mood, lifestyle – alcohol
  • Treatment
    • Sleep hygiene – avoid day naps, increase exercise
    • Lifestyle – reduce alcohol, increase water, regular small meals, weight loss