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.
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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