Feeling nauseous all the time and tired: Causes, symptoms, treatment, and more

12.08.202122.07.2023 by alexxlab

Causes, symptoms, treatment, and more

Fatigue and nausea are common symptoms that often occur together. In some cases, these symptoms may develop as a result of lifestyle factors, such as poor sleep or diet, or lack of exercise. In other cases, they may signal an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.

Fatigue is a term that describes a lack of energy or a feeling of tiredness or sluggishness. Nausea is a feeling of discomfort in the stomach or a feeling of needing to vomit.

This article outlines the potential causes of combined fatigue and nausea and lists the medical treatments and home remedies that may help alleviate these symptoms. We also provide advice on how to prevent fatigue and nausea and when to see a doctor.

Fatigue and nausea can co-occur as a result of:

lifestyle factors
short-term, or acute, illnesses
long-term, or chronic, conditions

Some possible causes of fatigue and nausea are outlined below.

Lifestyle factors

The following lifestyle factors may cause fatigue and nausea:

staying awake too late
not getting enough sleep
eating too much
eating too late at night
drinking too much alcohol the night before
using recreational drugs
lacking physical activity
overexerting oneself
being jet-lagged

Infections

Certain infections may also cause symptoms of fatigue and nausea. Examples include:

bacterial infections, such as:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection
- chlamydia
viral infections, such as:
- influenza
- Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)
- hepatitis
- poliovirus
- Ebola virus
- malaria
- dengue fever
parasitic infections, such as:
- hookworm infections

Psychological causes

Mental health issues can sometimes cause physical symptoms, including fatigue and nausea. Examples include:

anxiety
stress
depression
loss and grief

Hormonal issues

Fatigue and nausea can sometimes occur as a result of a condition that affects the hormones or the endocrine system that makes the hormones. Examples include:

hyperthyroidism
hypothyroidism
hyperparathyroidism
hypercalcemia
Addison’s disease

Neurological conditions

Issues that affect the nerves and the nervous system may also cause symptoms such as nausea and fatigue. Examples include:

migraines
epilepsy
concussion
traumatic brain injury (TBI)
multiple sclerosis (MS)
brain tumor

Other conditions

Other conditions could also cause nausea and fatigue with or without additional symptoms. Some examples include:

reactions to animal bites or stings
food poisoning
food intolerances or allergies
celiac disease
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
peptic ulcer
hypertension
heatstroke
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
endometriosis
sleep apnea
chronic fatigue syndrome
diabetes
kidney disease
liver cirrhosis, or liver failure

Fatigue and nausea are common during the early stages of pregnancy. Doctors use the term “morning sickness” to refer to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, although these symptoms may occur at any time of day. A 2014 study notes that morning sickness occurs in around 85% of pregnancies.

If there is any possibility that a person may be pregnant, they should take a pregnancy test. If they are not pregnant, they should see their doctor to determine the cause of their morning nausea.

Feeling nauseous upon waking up may simply be the result of poor sleep or an upset stomach from the night before. However, it could also signal a more chronic underlying health issue.

It is fairly normal for a person’s energy levels to dip after eating. This happens because the body redirects blood to the digestive system to help break down food in the stomach.

Eating too much may cause a large dip in energy levels since the body has more food to digest. Overeating may also cause feelings of fullness or nausea.

Symptoms of fatigue and nausea after eating can sometimes signal a digestive issue. Other possible symptoms of a digestive disease include:

difficulty swallowing
acid reflux
heartburn
vomiting
bloating
abdominal pain
belching or flatulence
constipation
diarrhea
bowel incontinence
blood in stool
unexplained weight gain or weight loss

The treatment for fatigue and nausea depends on the underlying cause. Treating the cause should help eliminate or control the symptoms. Chronic conditions may require a long-term treatment plan.

Doctors may also prescribe treatments for the symptoms themselves. For example, a doctor may prescribe antiemetic drugs to reduce nausea and vomiting.

Certain home remedies may help manage the symptoms of fatigue and nausea. Some examples are outlined below.

Home remedies for nausea

The following home remedies may help settle an upset stomach and reduce feelings of nausea:

sipping a cold drink
drinking ginger or peppermint tea
eating foods containing ginger, such as ginger biscuits or candied ginger
eating multiple small portions
getting a lot of fresh air
finding distractions, such as listening to music, watching a movie, or reading a book

In addition, people should avoid the following:

preparing or eating strong-smelling foods
eating foods that are spicy, fried, or greasy
eating too fast
drinking while eating
wearing clothing that is tight around the waist or abdomen
lying down shortly after eating

Home remedies for fatigue

The following home remedies may help reduce fatigue:

eating smaller meals and healthful snacks every 3–4 hours
gradually decreasing caffeine intake over the course of 3 weeks
limiting alcohol intake and avoiding alcohol before bedtime
drinking more water to prevent dehydration and associated fatigue
gradually increasing physical activity
reaching or maintaining a moderate weight
going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends
avoiding daytime naps
establishing or maintaining a relaxing bedtime routine
reducing stress levels through one or more of the following:
- working out
- practicing yoga or tai chi
- spending time with friends
receiving counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for fatigue caused by stress, anxiety, or low mood

Experiencing fatigue and nausea is not always a cause for concern. Sometimes, these symptoms are the result of poor lifestyle habits. Changing these habits should lead to an improvement or reduction in symptoms.

However, people should see a doctor if they experience severe, persistent, or worsening episodes of fatigue and nausea.

It is important to seek immediate medical attention for fatigue and nausea that are accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

chest pain or pressure
difficulty breathing
slurred speech
persistent confusion
continuous or repeated vomiting
fever
yellowing of the skin or eyes
suicidal thoughts

The above symptoms may indicate a serious underlying medical condition that requires prompt medical treatment.

The outlook for people experiencing combined fatigue and nausea depends on the underlying cause of these symptoms.

Fatigue and nausea are not always a cause for concern. This combination of symptoms sometimes goes away following appropriate lifestyle adjustments, such as changes in eating, sleeping, or exercise habits.

However, severe, persistent, or recurrent episodes of fatigue and nausea can indicate an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. In some instances, it may take time for a doctor to diagnose and treat the cause. Once a doctor has established a diagnosis and a treatment plan, a person will typically find relief from these symptoms.

It may not be possible to prevent all causes of fatigue and nausea. However, the following factors may reduce a person’s risk of developing these symptoms:

staying hydrated
limiting alcohol and caffeine intake and avoiding either before bedtime
avoiding large meals and eating late at night
getting plenty of sleep each night
following basic personal hygiene to help prevent infections
eating a healthful diet and exercising regularly to reduce the risk of health conditions that can cause fatigue and nausea
alleviating stress through one or more of the following:
- mindfulness meditation
- breathing exercises
- yoga or tai chi
seeking therapy for mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression

Fatigue and nausea are symptoms that commonly occur together. In some cases, they are the result of lifestyle habits, such as poor sleep or diet, or lack of exercise. In other instances, they may signal an underlying mental or physical health issue that requires treatment.

Sometimes, a person may experience symptom relief after using home remedies to aid sleep, alleviate stress, or improve diet. However, if these changes do not lead to an improvement in symptoms, a person should see their doctor.

Anyone who experiences severe, persistent, or recurrent episodes of fatigue and nausea should seek a medical diagnosis and treatment. Following appropriate treatment, most people should experience an improvement in their symptoms.

Causes, When to Seek Help, and More

Fatigue and Nausea: Causes, When to Seek Help, and More

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Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. D. — By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA — Updated on May 23, 2018

What are fatigue and nausea?

Fatigue is a condition that is a combined feeling of being sleepy and drained of energy. It can range from acute to chronic. For some people, fatigue can be a long-term occurrence that affects their ability to carry out daily activities.

Nausea occurs when your stomach feels uneasy or queasy. You may not actually vomit, but you may feel as though you could. Like fatigue, nausea can stem from many causes.

Seek immediate medical help if your fatigue and nausea are accompanied by:

difficulty breathing
headache
chest pain
fever
thoughts of harming yourself
yellowing of the eyes or skin
slurred speech
repeated vomiting
lasting confusion
abnormal eye movement

Lifestyle changes can frequently help reduce fatigue and nausea. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you don’t feel rested even after a full night’s sleep.

If you have cancer, ask your doctor about interventions that could enhance your energy levels.

This information is a summary. Always seek medical attention if you’re concerned you may be experiencing a medical emergency.

Healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly can help you find relief from fatigue and nausea. Avoiding bad habits such as smoking, drinking excess alcohol, or abusing drugs can also help reduce fatigue and nausea.

Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat an underlying condition.

Home care

Staying hydrated by drinking clear liquids can help relieve fatigue and nausea. Maintaining a healthy activity level that doesn’t involve exercising excessively can also help prevent or reduce these symptoms.

Fatigue can impact your overall well-being. Take the following steps to prevent the onset of fatigue and nausea:

Get enough sleep each night (typically between 7 and 8 hours).
Manage your schedule so that your work does not become too demanding.
Refrain from drinking excessively.
Refrain from smoking and abusing drugs.
Eat small meals and drink plenty of water.
Exercise regularly.

Last medically reviewed on July 10, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Fatigue. (2017).
cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/fatigue/Patient/page1
Nausea and vomiting. (2013).
my.clevelandclinic.org/symptoms/nausea/hic_nausea_and_vomiting.aspx
Mayo Clinic Staff (2016). Fatigue.
mayoclinic.org/symptoms/fatigue/basics/definition/sym-20050894
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Nausea and vomiting.
mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nausea/basics/definition/sym-20050736

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

May 23, 2018

Written By

Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA

Edited By

Tracey Crate

Jul 10, 2017

Medically Reviewed By

Judith Marcin, MD

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Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.D. — By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA — Updated on May 23, 2018

Chronic fatigue syndrome | Family Doctor

Loss of strength, weakness, lethargy, fatigue, impotence, “woke up and was already tired”, drowsiness, “I don’t feel rested after a good sleep”, decreased concentration, memory impairment, etc. A significant proportion of people who consult an endocrinologist or other doctors experience these or similar symptoms. The latter are not specific, because they can be with a variety of diseases and conditions.

Let’s figure out what common endocrine diseases can cause symptoms of chronic fatigue.

With a decrease in thyroid function (hypothyroidism):

a breakdown is often combined with dry skin, hair loss, swelling of the face, hands and lower extremities, constipation, chilliness, memory impairment; in women – with a violation of the menstrual cycle.

With an excess of thyroid hormones in the blood (thyrotoxicosis):

weakness and fatigue are accompanied by constant heart palpitations, increased excitability and sweating, trembling of the hands and / or body, sleep disturbances, weight loss with increased appetite, in some cases with protrusion, pain and redness of the eyeballs.

For high blood glucose (type 1 diabetes):

patients complain of thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, itchy skin, changes in visual acuity, weight loss with increased appetite. In type 2 diabetes, such symptoms occur much less frequently, since they develop only with severe decompensation of carbohydrate metabolism several years after the onset of the disease. With a moderate increase in blood glucose, in most cases there are no symptoms.

Phosphorus-calcium metabolism disorders

It is possible to suspect violations of phosphorus-calcium metabolism in persons with general and muscle weakness, bone pain, low mood, with complaints of thirst, frequent urination, vomiting and diarrhea (not due to other causes), urolithiasis, frequent recurrence of gastric and duodenal ulcers, low-traumatic (occurred with minimal trauma) fractures, muscle cramps, with chronic kidney disease, long-term use of glucocorticosteroids, with low or no insolation, including people who completely cover themselves with clothes for religious or national reasons or do not leave the house.

Testosterone deficiency

Testosterone deficiency in men is also often accompanied by fatigue, mood lability with a tendency to depression, decreased sex drive, memory impairment, hot flashes, excessive sweating, palpitations, decreased muscle mass, and sleep disorders.

Adrenal insufficiency

In adrenal insufficiency, asthenia is always accompanied by weight loss, loss of appetite, and orthostatic hypotension (darkening of the eyes and/or dizziness when standing up). In addition, cravings for salty foods and darkening of skin folds and postoperative sutures may appear.

Hypercortisolism

Hypercortisolism (excess production of cortisol by the adrenal glands) is characterized by muscle weakness in the arms and legs, weight gain with predominant deposition of fat on the body with relatively thin limbs, the appearance of bright purple, wide (usually more than 1 cm wide) stretch marks on the skin, increased blood pressure, carbohydrate metabolism disorders (impaired carbohydrate tolerance or type 2 diabetes), sexual dysfunction, decreased body resistance to infections.

If you have noted a combination of asthenic symptoms with the above manifestations, contact an endocrinologist. The specialist will help eliminate endocrine disorders and normalize hormone levels, if necessary.

To prevent endocrine diseases, consume iodized salt with food, consume dairy products daily, maintain a normal and stable weight, sleep well (at least 7-8 hours a day), do aerobic exercise, walk in the fresh air, take prophylactic doses of vitamin D.

You can sign up for a consultation with an endocrinologist and get all the answers you need on the diagnosis of endocrine diseases by calling in Moscow +7 (495) 775 75 66

Prepared information for you:

Grechkina Alla Pavlovna – endocrinologist. Conducts a reception in the building of the clinic on Ozerkovskaya.

Nausea and weakness

Phone: +7 (343) 355-56-57

+7 (343) 355-56-57

Nausea and weakness are frequent complaints of patients who come to see a doctor. Sometimes dizziness or headache, fever, discomfort in the abdomen are added to these manifestations of the disease. It will not be possible to independently diagnose and determine the exact cause of the disease, only a doctor can do this, and the main task of the patient is not to delay visiting the doctor.

Causes of drowsiness, headache, nausea and weakness

The described health disorders can occur for a variety of reasons. Let’s look at each of them.

Diseases of the endocrine system

One of the most common causes of weakness, nausea and aching headaches are diseases of the endocrine system. Any violation of the hormonal balance of a person is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms.

Diabetes. One of the most common pathologies in the world associated with the fact that the pancreas is not able to produce the right amount of insulin or glucose from the blood cannot be absorbed by the tissues. This causes a constantly elevated concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood, which affects all organs and systems. The first manifestations include constant thirst, severe weakness, dry mouth. Sometimes a person may experience slight nausea.
Hypothyroidism. A disease that develops due to an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones in the body. If the deficiency is slightly expressed, then weakness or apathy, weight loss or, conversely, weight gain, the appearance of goiter will prevail among the symptoms.

Both diseases require serious treatment, and the sooner it is started, the less the risk of complications. Therefore, if you have these problems, you should immediately seek advice from an endocrinologist.

Sometimes weakness and nausea, and sometimes vomiting, become the first signs of pregnancy and indicate the onset of toxicosis. To confirm, you need to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Intoxication

Poisoning is a dangerous condition that requires urgent medical attention. Weakness, nausea, sometimes vomiting, pain in the abdomen, a feeling of fullness in it, copious loose stools. All this may be accompanied by increased body temperature, aching, lowering blood pressure, arrhythmia. What is the most common poisoning?

Food products. This is the most common reason for getting poisoned. It usually proceeds in a mild form, is treated at home and does not require hospitalization. However, some poisons can cause a very vivid picture of the disease with a long course, and then hospitalization is required.
Medicines. This usually happens by negligence, when a person confuses the dosage. It is a common reason for children to be hospitalized when medicines in the home are within their reach. Drug poisoning requires immediate medical attention and hospitalization, since high doses of drugs have a strong negative effect on the patient’s body.
Alcohol. High doses of alcohol or prolonged use of alcoholic beverages, as well as the use of surrogates, is the reason why many adults end up in the hospital with symptoms of intoxication.
Poisonous mushrooms. During the mushroom picking season, mushroom poisoning occurs frequently. Their toxins can be fatal, especially if help was not provided immediately due to the fact that the patient decided to self-medicate.

Similar symptoms of intoxication occur with the bites of insects or poisonous animals. The cause of severe weakness, nausea, pain in the abdomen, headache can be toxic gas poisoning, which happens at work and at home.

All dangerous poisonings are treated in an infectious diseases hospital or in the intensive care unit. Sometimes it may be necessary to consult a therapist, neurologist, psychiatrist, as different organs and systems may suffer.

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Pathologies of the heart and blood vessels can be congenital or acquired. It seems to many that with such diseases the heart should hurt, but this is not so. Severe headaches, weakness, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness can also occur with such diseases. Such complaints occur in people with the following pathologies:

Hypertension. High blood pressure is the main reason for visiting a general practitioner after the age of 50. This condition without treatment can cause many complications, so the first episode of high blood pressure requires an appointment with a therapist. Among the manifestations are weakness, nausea, headache, tinnitus, palpitations, irritability, sweating.
Atherosclerosis. This is a disease in which the walls of blood vessels are affected. Plaque deposits quickly form on them, which causes narrowing of the blood vessel, its deformation and blockage. Diseases are very dangerous because a significant violation of the blood supply to organs and systems can develop, and tissues that do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients for a long time cease to function normally.
Hypotension. This is a condition in which there is a decrease in blood pressure. A person can feel sick, he has headaches, general malaise, weakness, lethargy, apathy, poor exercise tolerance, with a sharp decrease in pressure, there is a possibility of fainting.

For the prevention of any diseases of the cardiovascular system, it is necessary to consult a cardiologist once a year for a consultation. It is recommended to regularly take general and biochemical blood tests and do an ECG, and in case of the slightest violations and the appearance of any symptoms or discomfort, immediately consult a doctor.

Other causes

Other causes can cause weakness, drowsiness, nausea and headache. Sometimes these common signs indicate severe fatigue, worries, stress. Compliance with strict diets along with active exercise should be attributed to the same group of provoking factors.

Why else can a patient complain about nausea and weakness at the doctor’s office? There are a number of diseases that require more thorough diagnosis and long-term individually selected treatment. It can be migraine, anemia, neoplasms of the brain, both benign and malignant.

Sometimes nausea and weakness are associated with diseases of the inner ear. It can be Meniere’s disease, chronic otitis media, vestibular neuritis, motion sickness.

Which doctor to contact

For complaints of nausea, weakness, headache and dizziness, it is best to go to the general practitioner for an initial consultation . He will collect an anamnesis, listen to all complaints, conduct a survey and examination. Then you will receive a referral for tests – this can be a general analysis and biochemistry of blood, a blood test for sugar, an ECG, an ultrasound of internal organs.

When all the results of the examination are received, at the secondary appointment, the general practitioner will prescribe the correct and individually selected treatment and advise you to contact other doctors for a consultation. It can be an endocrinologist, a cardiologist, a psychotherapist, an infectious disease specialist, an ENT doctor.

It must be remembered that any manifestations of the disease and complaints of the patient require a mandatory visit to a specialist.