Asthenia refers to severe fatigue characterized by a lack of strength, both physical and moral, which does not go away despite rest. It’s not just fatigue that occurs when you’re sleep deprived.
Asthenia is the medical term for a physical fatigue that persists despite rest. It can also be moral. There are several types, characterized according to the causes (muscularmajor, functional…). Asthenia can be passenger (next to a stressto a brief infection such as a Covid…) Or sustainablelinked to a chronic illness or psychological suffering. What are symptoms of asthenia ? What are the consequences of asthenia? How the diagnose ? What treatment to relieve it?
Definition: what does asthenia mean?
asthenia is a medical term often used to express physical fatigue. It is more precisely a deterioration of general condition leading to generalized weakness of the body. It is distinguished from fatigue, because it is a state of exhaustion occurring without any notion of effort and not disappearing upon rest. There are several forms of asthenia depending on its cause, duration and associated clinical manifestations.
What are the symptoms of asthenia?
- A persistent lack of energy despite rest
- A feeling of despondency
- A feeling of exhaustion
What are the causes of asthenia?
Asthenia is not a pathology in itself, but a symptom. It can be linked to overworkbut also to many pathologies or other causes:
- anemia (lack of iron),
- an endocrine disorder (such as in the thyroid For example),
- a professional or family event (divorce, dismissaltransfer, move, etc.)
- alcohol abuse
- poor eating habits or stress for’functional asthenia
- there depression for chronic asthenia
- of the insomnia or a depressive state formorning asthenia
- taking certain medications,
- neurological disorders,
- metabolic disorders,
- hematological disorders,
- cardiovascular disorders,
- respiratory problems,
- digestive disorders.
- cancer,
The word asthenia is also sometimes used as a suffix to describe the reduction in the capabilities of an organ: myasthenia for example, expresses “muscle fatigue”.
What is functional asthenia?
Functional asthenia corresponds to a feeling of unexplained fatigue and a lack of dynamism which persists despite a long rest. Doctors recommend the adoption of simple measures to combat it:
- get enough sleep,
- consume alcohol and coffee in moderation,
- stop smoking
- and engage in physical activity.
In addition, a balanced diet can help prevent it. Antiasthenics contain vitamins and amino acids intended to combat fatigue. A medical check-up is always essential.
What is chronic asthenia?
Prolonged asthenia or chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by permanent fatigue. We are talking about prolonged asthenia when fatigue is present for at least 50% of the day, when it has no apparent reason and when it lasts for at least 6 months. Other symptoms such as fever, headaches, insomnia and joint pain may occur. This is a recent pathology which raises several questions. The treatment, generally long (several years), is based on the magnesium intakea psychological care and the physiotherapy.
What is muscular asthenia?
Muscular asthenia may be related to exhaustion not linked to physical activity. In some cases, it can be of psychological origin. Consultation, biological assays and additional examinations are necessary to diagnose the cause.
What is major asthenia?
Prolonged asthenia (or chronic fatigue syndrome) is characterized by major (more than 50% of the time) and unexplained asthenia that has lasted for at least 6 months. Difficult to diagnose, it generally progresses towards recovery but can take several years to completely disappear. A health check must be carried out.
What is neurotic asthenia?
Neurotic asthenia results in intense fatigue and feeling sick.
What is morning asthenia?
As its name suggests, morning asthenia occurs in the morning. Fatigue varies from day to day, regardless of the patient’s efforts and hours of sleep. It can be accompanied by headaches and various pains. She often disappears at the end of the day. Treatment depends on the responsible cause. It is essential to carry out a medical assessment.
What is reactive asthenia?
Reactive asthenia or overwork asthenia is a form of asthenia associated with stress. It is characterized by a feeling of exhaustion, great fatigue which persists despite resting. Psychotherapy, good nutrition and better scheduling can treat it. A health check is required.
What is severe asthenia?
Severe asthenia or severe fatigue is manifested by a state of significant exhaustion in the absence of any effort. Rest does not lead to any improvement in the condition of an asthenic person. Severe asthenia can be caused by depression or a physical pathology. In the latter case, it is organic fatigue. When the asthenic state persists, it requires consultation. The cause of this symptom must be determined so that a medical protocol can be put in place.
When to consult?
“In the face of any persistent asthenia it is appropriate to consult. The doctor will first look for a relatively obvious cause such as an infection (viral or bacterial, current or recent), an unsuitable lifestyle (sleep debt, unbalanced diet, physical activity), depression or a side effect of medication (the list is long…)”describes Dr Jacques Amselem, general practitioner in Seine-et-Marne.
What tests should be done to make the diagnosis of asthenia?
“The doctor will prescribe a blood test to look for anemia, inflammation, kidney or thyroid dysfunction or diabetes, or to confirm other hypotheses following the clinical examination. Sometimes X-rays, a CT scan, or even an MRI may also be necessary for look for a tumor“, explains Dr Jacques Amselem.
What are the treatments for asthenia?
It is up to the doctor to determine the best approach to treating asthenia. So, we must find the cause and cure it. “The treatment is that of the cause, possibly supplemented by anti-asthenics, or vitamin supplements“, underlines the specialist. Treatment can be based on a prescription for antidepressants to relieve real depression. In the event of a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed. When asthenia is linked to poor lifestyle, it is therefore appropriate to return to a healthier lifestyle (healthy and balanced diet, smoking, alcohol, activity time, sufficient rest, etc.).
To relieve asthenia, you can use:
- Changing a current treatment (when it is a medication that is causing the asthenia)
- Psychological support such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Antidepressants (in case of depression)
- Products or substances, over the counter in pharmacies, recommended to combat fatigue. Among them : THE vitamins, trace elements and amino acids, as well as magnesium (in case of proven deficiency only)
- Taking “mild” psychostimulants (sulbutiamine, deanol, caffeine) presents more risks than benefits. It is therefore not recommended by Health Insurance.
Thanks to Dr Jacques Amselem, general practitioner in Seine-et-Marne.