fatigue

(fă-tēg′)

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[Fr. fr. L. fatigare, to tire]

1. An overwhelming sustained sense of exhaustion and decreased capacity for physical and mental work at the usual level.
SEE:
2. The condition of an organ or tissue in which its response to stimulation is reduced or lost as a result of overactivity. Fatigue may be the result of excessive activity, which causes the accumulation of metabolic waste products such as lactic acid; malnutrition (deficiency of carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, or vitamins); circulatory disturbances such as heart disease or anemia, which interfere with the supply of oxygen and energy substrates to tissues; respiratory disturbances, which interfere with the supply of oxygen to tissues; infectious diseases, which produce toxic products or alter body metabolism; endocrine disturbances such as occur in diabetes, hyperinsulinism, and menopause; psychogenic factors such as emotional conflicts, frustration, anxiety, neurosis, and boredom; or physical factors such as disability. Environmental noise and vibration contribute to the development of fatigue.
SEE: chronic fatigue syndrome
fatigue, v.

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