How to Treat Lethargy

Lethargy is a condition when the body feels very tired and still does not improve even though it has rested. In addition, someone who is lethargic will have difficulty carrying out activities because they feel tired, often sleepy, and find it difficult to concentrate. This condition can be caused by physical or psychological disorders. Then how to treat lethargy? Please see the explanation here.

Lethargy or feeling tired often appears as one of the signs or symptoms of certain diseases. Lethargy is different from feeling tired due to various activities, because generally lethargy will not improve even if the sufferer has rested or slept.

Therefore, when you experience lethargy, you should see a doctor so that what you are experiencing is examined by a doctor so you can find out the cause and get the right treatment.

Lethargy Symptoms

Complaints of lethargy can often make it difficult for sufferers to carry out work or daily activities. This is because lethargic sufferers experience symptoms of severe fatigue, easy drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating, thus making their body movements slower.

Apart from these symptoms, lethargy is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• The body feels less energetic even though it has been used to rest or sleep enough.
• Easily agitated or bored.
• Mood swings.
• Feeling dazed, out of focus or less alert.

If you have felt it for more than 2 weeks and it doesn't get better, then lethargy needs to be watched out for and you need to see a doctor immediately. In addition, lethargy also needs to be watched out for if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as severe headaches, difficulty sleeping, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, seizures, weakness or paralysis of limbs, drastic changes in body weight, decreased consciousness or coma.

Babies or children who are lethargic will appear less active, less willing to suckle, lose their appetite, be indifferent and do not want to play. Lethargy in infants or children needs to be watched out for if it is accompanied by several symptoms such as fever, skin rashes, difficulty waking up during sleep, experiencing signs of dehydration such as dry mouth or crying but no tears, frequent vomiting and severe diarrhea.

Cause of Lethargy

Lethargy that lasts a long time and does not improve even though you have rested needs to be watched out for. Usually this condition can be caused by certain diseases.

There are certain medical conditions or diseases that can cause lethargy, including:

• There are problems with the brain, such as meningitis, stroke, hydrocephalus, and severe head injuries.
• There is a thyroid disorder.
• There are problems with the kidneys, such as acute or chronic kidney failure.
• There are psychological disorders, such as depression, PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), and depression after childbirth.
• Anemia.
• Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and insomnia.
• There is a problem of malnutrition.
• Side effects caused by medicines such as antihistamines, antipsychotics and chemotherapy.

In addition, lethargy can also be caused by dehydration or poisoning, for example due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

How to Treat Lethargy Symptoms

Because lethargy can be caused by many things, if you have complaints of symptoms of lethargy you can see a doctor. To determine the cause of lethargy, doctors can perform a physical examination and supporting examinations in the form of urine tests, blood tests, and radiological examinations, such as CT scans or brain MRI.

If the doctor's examination states that the lethargy you are experiencing is caused by a psychological disorder, the doctor will conduct a psychiatric examination or refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. Apart from advising you to undergo psychotherapy, your doctor may also provide antidepressants.

How to deal with lethargy after the cause of lethargy is known, namely the doctor can provide treatment according to the cause. For example, if lethargy is caused by dehydration, it will be treated by administering fluids, either by mouth or by infusion, whereas if lethargy is caused by anemia, it will be treated by giving blood-boosting drugs.

For those of you who experience lethargy, it will be recommended to live a healthy lifestyle by consuming nutritious food, drinking more water, exercising regularly, managing stress well, and getting enough rest.

That's how to treat lethargy, lethargy may look harmless and often overlooked, but actually this condition should not be taken lightly. When you experience lethargy, immediately consult a doctor so you can get the right treatment.