Medical News

Fatigue can be defined as the tiredness that just does not go away and does not have an obvious explanation (such as working out too much the day before, staying up late last night, etc). It is often associated with generalized weakness and what is often described as “a brain fog”. The presence of true fatigue warrants a visit to your physician for a medical evaluation to make sure it does not have a pathological cause. The five conditions discussed below are some of the most common explanations of fatigue that physicians diagnose their patients with.

1. Anemia – a condition that occurs when red blood cell concentration drops down below what is considered normal. This can be detected with quick and inexpensive blood tests that measure blood values known as hemoglobin and hematocrit (often part of a more comprehensive test called Complete Blood Count or CBC for short). There may be many different explanations to it, some are common (such as having heavy periods for a female), and some are due to rare medical conditions. In each case, raising your blood count back to normal will result in significant improvement of fatigue.

2. Hypothyroidism – Thyroid is a small and crucial gland in the middle of the neck responsible for producing thyroid hormones. Lack of adequate thyroid hormone production may cause severe fatigue. Thyroid disease is very prevalent in our population and is easily diagnosed with a blood test. Supplementing with either natural or synthetic thyroid hormone can completely reverse the symptoms.

3. Vitamin and Nutrient Deficiencies. Our bodies require innumerable amount of different chemicals to function properly and feel our best. Some deficiencies of those, such as vitamins B and D are readily detectable by a blood test, but there is still no way to detect every possible vital element that one may be short of. It is no secret that the average American diet is lacking in many essential ingredients with omega 3 fatty acids being one of the most common shortages. Although taking multivitamin supplements may appear like an easy solution, this usually does not achieve as much as one would expect. The reason is that the cells in our body do not seem to absorb and incorporate vitamins and minerals as efficiently when they come in a pill form. The scientist are still searching for answers but there appears to be something about biologically derived vitamins and elements that just makes them more agreeable with our body mechanism of nutrient uptake. In order to achieve an optimal nutrition that would combat fatigue one should follow a diet that includes yellow and green vegetables, various fruit, nuts, fish and whole grains and dairy products.

4. Low testosterone. This hormone deficiency is much more common than previously thought. Testosterone level begins to decline as men age and in some men the process occurs faster than in others. In addition, there are some young men who may have low testosterone for a number of reasons. It is important to check not just the total testosterone but the free (biologically active) testosterone as well, which may be decreased in a number of conditions. Testosterone is present in much smaller amount in women but it is still extremely important for their energy level and well being. The most common cause of low testosterone in women is oral contraceptives and menopause. Testosterone deficiency is commonly associated with decreased sexual drive.

5. Viral illness. One of the most common causes for fatigue in young people is mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus. While the illness itself may be nothing more than a few days of sore throat, the fatigue that comes afterward may linger for as long as six months. Also, there is a lot of scientific research going on right now into etiology of the condition Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and there are multiple virus suspects that are being evaluated.

“Aromatherapy is an entirely individual treatment aimed at making each mother feel her very best. It can be used to help prevent or cope with problems that may arise in pregnancy or very early motherhood. Mothers can turn to aromatherapy for very different reasons, and in each case, it will be appropriate and beneficial.”

Allison England, R.N., Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby. In her book, she lists several ways that aromatherapy can help mothers-to-be…

Fatigue

It can help with the fatigue and the aches and the pains that can be constant companions during the pregnancy. Using essential oils also can be a natural way to deal to any minor illnesses that occur during the pregnancy.

Anxiety

It can help relieve any anxiety the mother feels and help deepen relaxation. Stress is not good for expectant moms; anything they feel affects their babies. Aromatherapy can help mothers maintain a positive attitude and hopeful outlook.

Stretch Marks

Added to a lotion or carrier oil, it can provide a way to prevent the stretch marks that sometimes accompany pregnancy.

Massage

Aromatherapy massages are very therapeutic, both short-term and long-term. It helps deepen relaxation, but also helps mothers connect and tune into their bodies. This helps them feel more connected to their babies and will help them bond with their babies in a deeper way.

“After an aromatherapy massage, a mother will often report a feeling of extreme peace and well-being. Her face may take on a look of tranquility. The massage can also help to relieve the tensions in her life.”

Allison England, R.N., Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby. Obviously, no essential oil will take away the mother’s problems, but in helping her relax deeply, it helps make it easier to deal with them, and to manage any other stress that comes along.

Labor

England recommends both ylang ylang and geranium for use during delivery. They both are calming and soothing and good for anyone feeling anxious or fearful. It has been suggested that geranium is like a warm, nurturing, motherly hug, which makes it seem even more appropriate to use during such a maternal moment.
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The author warns, however, that if you are planning a home birth, you should avoid using the oils in the water, because they could wind up getting into the baby’s eyes. But during the early stages of labor, lavender could be used in a massage or a bath oil. Once your baby arrives, you also can do baby massages using essential oils, so from the beginning of pregnancy through the early stages of infancy, aromatherapy can benefit both mother and baby.

A person is suspected of mononucleosis when symptoms like fatigue, sore throat, fever, and swollen glands emerge. Some symptoms like liver enlargement, nausea, swollen spleen, diarrhea, headache, body aches, and respiratory symptoms may also arise and be indicative of this condition. Mononucleosis is otherwise known as Epstein Barr or glandular fever.

The patient’s age will be considered for diagnosis. An estimate of 50% among the children will develop mononucleosis before five years of age. Symptoms for mononucleosis can be mild or even none among children and babies.

The duration of illness is also considered for diagnosis. The cold or flu brought about by mononucleosis usually lasts longer, around 2 to 4 weeks, unlike common flu or cold lasting for only a few days. After the initial infection, some infected individuals may have recurrent symptoms. An example is a fatigue that lasts for several weeks or even months.

Laboratory examinations that seek to find a typical lymphocytes (a type of WBC) in the bloodstream, a total WBC count increase, and presence of Epstein Barr Virus antibodies will confirm the diagnosis of mononucleosis.

The mono spot test is an example of a mononucleosis antibody exam. The test is done to confirm the presence of heterophile antibodies in the bloodstream. During the first month of mononucleosis infection, heterophile antibodies appear but decreases after 4 weeks or so. These antibodies do not show up sometimes during the initial week of infection, and around 50% only of primarily Epstein Barr infected children may have the heterophile antibodies.

Due to mono spot test limitations, a need for additional examinations to diagnose mononucleosis may be required. These further antibody tests are important especially for expectant mothers and patients with compromised immune system. Major mono diagnostic antibody test includes: VCA-IgG (determine an individuals for viral susceptibility and recent infection); EA-D, VCA-IgA, VCA-IgM and EBNA (determines a recent viral infection). Further diagnostic exams to determine illness extent are platelet count, liver function test, and swab test for strep throat.

If and when the mono diagnostic tests yield negative results, then different tests should be done to diagnose the real condition of the mono signs and symptoms mimicry like cytomegalovirus, hepatitis, HIV, toxoplasmosis, and adenovirus.

Positive mono diagnosis will require increase pure water consumption, rest, as well as, intake of supplemental nutrients, diet, essential oils, homeopathics, and herbs to boost immune system.