WHAT IS MALAISE?
The malaise is described as any of the following :
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- A feeling of overall weakness
- A feeling of discomfort
- A feeling like you have an illness
- Simply not feeling well
It often happens with fatigue and an inability to restore a feeling of health through proper rest.
Sometimes, malaise occurs suddenly. Other times, it may develop slowly and persist for a long period. The reason behind your malaise could be extremely difficult to determine because it can be the result of so many conditions.
However, once your doctor diagnoses the cause of your malaise, treating the condition could help you feel better.
WHAT CAUSES MALAISE?
Medical Conditions
There are many possible causes of malaise. Any time your body undergoes a disruption, such as an injury, disease, or trauma, you could experience malaise. The causes listed here represent a few of the many possibilities.
Try not to jump to conclusions about the cause of your malaise until you have seen your doctor.
If you have a musculoskeletal condition, you could often experience a general sense of discomfort and unease. Additionally, malaise is a typical symptom of several forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Acute viral disorders, such as the following, could cause malaise :
- HIV
- AIDS
- Fibromyalgia
- Lyme disease
- Hepatitis
Chronic fatigue syndrome is an especially complex disorder that is characterized by a feeling of overall pain, fatigue, and malaise.
These chronic conditions might cause malaise :
- Severe anemia
- Congestive heart failure
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, could often lead to the malaise. However, it is also possible to start to feel symptoms of depression and anxiety if you have malaise. It could be difficult to determine if the malaise or depression occurred first.
Other causes of malaise could include :
- Parasitic infections
- The flu
- Mononucleosis
- Cancer
- Adrenal gland dysfunction
- Diabetes
MEDICATIONS
Medications that could also put you at risk for malaise include :
- Anticonvulsants
- A few medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease, specifically beta-blockers
- Medications used to treat psychiatric conditions
- Antihistamines
Some medications might not cause malaise on their own but can lead to malaise when combined with other medications.
MALAISE AND FATIGUE
Fatigue often happens along with malaise. When experiencing malaise, you will usually also feel exhausted or lethargic in addition to a generalized feeling of being unwell.
Along with malaise, fatigue has a large number of possible explanations. It can be due to lifestyle factors, illnesses, and specific medications.
WHEN SHOULD I SEE MY DOCTOR?
Consult your doctor if you feel overwhelmed by the feelings of malaise or if your malaise lasts longer than seven days. You should also speak to your doctor if your malaise happens with other symptoms.
It is important to be your own health advocate if you are experiencing malaise. It is difficult to determine the cause of the malaise. Being proactive about seeking a diagnosis will only assist your condition.
Ask questions and speak up if you feel you need to continue a conversation with your doctor regarding your health.
HOW IS MALAISE DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor will perform a physical exam. They will look for an obvious physical condition that can be the cause of your malaise or could give clues about its cause.
They will also ask questions regarding your malaise. Be prepared to provide details like approximately when the malaise started and whether the malaise seems to come and go, or is constantly present.
Your doctor will also likely ask you questions about recent travel, additional symptoms you are experiencing, any challenges you have in completing daily activities, and why you think you are having these challenges.
They will ask you what medications you are taking if you use drugs or alcohol, and whether you have any known health issues or conditions.
If they are not sure what is causing you to feel malaise, they might order tests to confirm or rule out one or more diagnoses. These tests might include blood tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic tools.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MALAISE?
The malaise is not a condition in and of itself. Thus, treatment will focus on addressing the underlying cause.
Predicting what this treatment will consist of is unlikely because malaise can be because of a wide variety of conditions. That is why an examination and testing are necessary. This information could help your doctor make a proper diagnosis.
Treatment for the cause of your malaise could help control the feeling and prevent it from becoming overwhelming. You could minimize your malaise by :
- Getting plenty of rest
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a balanced, healthy diet
- Limiting stress
Malaise could be difficult to prevent because it has many possible causes.
Keeping a record of your physical and mental well-being could help you identify the causes and triggers of your malaise. Keep a register to help you track your malaise. You could present your findings to your doctor if necessary.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from malaise, our expert providers at Specialty Care Clinics will take care of your health and help you recover.
Call 469-545-9983 to book a telehealth appointment for an at-home check-up.