Lethargic

About the Symptom

It describes an overall feeling of exhaustion or lack of energy. People who are tired feel so drained that their exhaustion interrupts their daily life.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Difficulty breathing / breathlessness
• Recent weight loss
• Unexplained weight loss of 5% or more in 1 month
• Jaundice
• Seizure attack
• Melena (black stools)
• Peripheral cyanosis

Possible Causes

Generally, Lethargic can be related to:

• Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome

  Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome, also known as drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), is a severe reaction to a drug marked by fever, rash, and multiorgan failure. It can happen between 1-8 weeks after taking the drug. Drugs that most often cause DRESS include certain anti-seizure medications like carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital, as well as allopurinol, which is used for gout.

• Rabies

  Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can spread to people and animals through bites or scratches from infected animals. It is commonly found in wild animals like stray dogs, bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. The rabies virus travels through nerve cells to the brain, where it multiplies quickly, causing severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, often leading to death.

• Hyperemesis Gravidarum

  A severe form of morning sickness, where patients have significant vomiting and are typically unable to keep much food or fluids down. They can lose weight and become very dehydrated. The exact cause is unclear, but it's thought to be related to levels of pregnancy hormones (β-hCG and estrogen). Early treatment of morning sickness can help prevent progression to this severe form. There is typically no harm to the developing baby from this condition, but it is important to maintain normal hydration and weight in the mom.

• Graves' Disease
• Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
• Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis
• Castleman's Disease / TAFLO Syndrome

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Lethargic may be related to these serious diseases:

• Cyclic Vomiting

  A condition with repeated and severe vomiting. Patients may become very unwell due to dehydration and starvation. The exact cause is unknown, but known triggers include emotional stress, anxiety, or viral illnesses.

• Acute Cholangitis
• Malaria

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Are you experiencing fatigue or low energy?
• When did you first notice your fatigue or low energy?
• How severe is your fatigue or low energy?
• How is your fatigue or low energy now?
• Do you experience fatigue or low energy that varies throughout the day?

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