Fatigue: Causes, Self-Care, and When to See a Doctor | Should You Seek Medical Care for Severe Fatigue During Travel?
■Symptoms
Fatigue is a condition in which you continue to feel physically or mentally exhausted even after getting enough rest, making it difficult to carry out your usual daily activities. While fatigue is often temporary, it may sometimes be caused by an underlying medical condition.
You may experience symptoms such as feeling unusually weak, lacking energy, not feeling refreshed after sleep, loss of appetite, or difficulty concentrating. During travel, fatigue may be triggered by long-distance travel, jet lag, lack of sleep, hot weather, dehydration, or unfamiliar surroundings.
In many cases, fatigue improves with rest. However, it may also be a sign of a medical condition that requires treatment, such as an infection or dehydration.
■Causes
Possible causes include:
- Serious infections, such as pneumonia or sepsis
- Heat-related illness or dehydration
- Viral infections, including influenza, COVID-19, or gastroenteritis
- Sleep deprivation, jet lag, or fatigue from long-distance travel
- Poor nutrition, stress, or excessive physical activity
Fatigue during travel is often related to changes in your environment. However, if it is accompanied by symptoms such as fever or shortness of breath, medical evaluation may be necessary.
■When to Seek Medical Care
Seek Medical Attention Promptly If You Have:
- Confusion or reduced responsiveness
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- A high fever of 39°C (102.2°F) or higher, or severe chills
- Repeated vomiting that prevents you from drinking fluids
- Severe weakness that makes it difficult to walk
You May Monitor Your Symptoms If:
- Your fatigue is likely due to long-distance travel or lack of sleep
- Your symptoms are gradually improving with adequate rest
- You do not have a fever or severe pain
- Your daily activities are not significantly affected
However, if your fatigue lasts for several days, worsens, or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, cough, or diarrhea, we recommend seeing a doctor as a precaution.
■Self-Care
- Get plenty of rest and adequate sleep.
- Drink plenty of fluids and replenish electrolytes regularly.
- Eat small amounts of easily digestible foods.
- Avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol.
- Rest in a cool place if you are in a hot environment.
If you develop confusion, severe shortness of breath, a high fever, or are unable to drink fluids, do not rely on self-care alone. Please seek medical attention promptly.
■What We Can Do at Our Clinic
We provide:
- English-speaking medical care
- Medical consultation and evaluation of your overall condition by a physician
- Blood pressure measurement and physical examination
- Antigen tests for influenza, COVID-19, streptococcus, etc.
- Blood tests when indicated
- Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy for dehydration
- Prescription medications based on your symptoms
- Referral to specialist medical facilities when necessary
■Appointment
At our clinic in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, international travelers can receive medical care with confidence. We offer same-day appointments and English-speaking medical services.
If you are experiencing severe fatigue, exhaustion, fever, or symptoms of dehydration, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.
International Clinic Osaka Shinsaibashi (ICOS) provides English-speaking medical care for the evaluation of fatigue, diagnosis of infections and dehydration, and appropriate testing and treatment. International visitors are welcome.
Address
4F Zenith Building, 1-13-25 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
Phone
+81-6-6484-6392
Email
c.icos@international-clinic-osaka.com