Weakness in the body

The condition, defined as weakness in the body, is medically associated with both a loss of muscle strength and a feeling of lack of energy, decreased vitality and general fatigue.

Is there such a thing as causeless weakness in the body? Doctors say that this cannot happen, and even in the absence of a true loss of muscle strength, this condition – as a complex of symptoms – is well known to people suffering from a wide range of diseases.

Causes weakness in the body

It is important to know the exact causes of weakness in the body: either a lack of physical strength and a feeling of the need for additional effort to perform everyday functions, or exhaustion or lack of energy. Thus, short-term weakness in the body not associated with pathologies, called physiological reactive asthenia, is caused by overwork, stress or lack of sleep. Almost everyone experiences weakness in the body after an illness (also physiological) - during the period of recovery of forces mobilized to fight the body against infection, inflammation, traumatic injury or somatic disease. And muscles weaken with prolonged bed rest.

Lack of nutrients due to constant malnutrition (or addiction to improper diets for weight loss) causes not only general weakness, but can lead to the development of alimentary dystrophy.

Weakness and a feeling of increased fatigue are symptoms that occur with: anemia (low hemoglobin levels in the blood); iron or vitamin D deficiency; low blood sugar (hypoglycemia); electrolyte imbalance (decreased potassium and sodium levels in the blood); intestinal disorders; food allergies.

Weakness in the body manifests itself in cases of chronic fatigue syndrome (arising from oxidative stress and changes in muscle excitability); depression and generalized anxiety disorder; acute polyradiculoneuritis (Guillain-Barré syndrome); malignant tumors of various localizations; leukemia (in childhood - acute lymphoblastic leukemia).

Weakness in the body is accompanied by such chronic diseases as hypothyroidism (insufficient production of hormones by the thyroid gland, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis) or hyperthyroidism; diabetes mellitus; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; adrenal cortex insufficiency (Addison's disease); polymyositis (inflammation of muscle fibers); systemic lupus erythematosus; multiple sclerosis; amyloidosis; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease); rhabdomyolysis (muscle destruction); myasthenia; various myopathies.

Causes of weakness in the body may be associated with infectious diseases: colds and flu (and other respiratory diseases); chickenpox; infectious mononucleosis; hepatitis; intestinal rotavirus infection; malaria and hemorrhagic fever; encephalitis and meningitis; poliomyelitis; HIV.

Life-threatening causes of weakness in the body: atrial fibrillation, transient ischemic attacks or stroke; severe dehydration due to poisoning; kidney failure; impaired cerebral circulation due to stroke and brain injury; pulmonary embolism; bleeding; botulism; sepsis.

The appearance of general weakness can be caused by certain medications; in particular, signs of iatrogenic asthenia can be caused by the use of opioid painkillers, tranquilizers, systemic corticosteroids, statins, cytostatics, muscle relaxants, etc.

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Pathogenesis

It is clear that the pathogenesis of weakness in the body directly depends on the disease or condition in which this symptom complex is observed.

Thus, weakness in the body and drowsiness during pregnancy, as well as weakness in the body and nausea in pregnant women are a consequence of increased levels of progesterone and estrogen, which ensure the process of bearing a child and adapt the female body to it. Weakness during pregnancy can also be associated with the manifestation of vascular dystonia, and the pathogenesis of VSD lies in disorders of the autonomic nervous system.

Experts note the special role of non-specific hyposthenic disorders caused by various general somatic and neurological factors in the development of such conditions as dizziness and weakness, as well as headache and weakness in the body. Weakness in the body without temperature is a characteristic component of conditions with anemia, hypoglycemia, depression, anxiety disorders.

Weakness in the body and diarrhea in intestinal disorders are caused by the toxic effect of pathogenic microorganisms, the waste products of which enter the bloodstream and cause intoxication. A similar mechanism of development plus dehydration of the body cause weakness in the body after poisoning.

Paresthesia, tremors and weakness in patients with multiple sclerosis or other myelinopathies (Binswanger's disease, Devic's disease, etc.) are the result of destruction of the myelin sheaths of the nerves of the central or peripheral nervous system. Myopathies can be congenital (with inheritance of a mutated gene), metabolic (due to deficiency of maltase, alpha-1,4-glucosidase or carnitine), and can also occur with a tumor of the thymus gland. Muscle weakness of anxiety is a consequence of disturbances in the activation of the hormonal response to stress. And weakness throughout the body in Addison's disease is caused by damage to the adrenal cortex and a decrease in the synthesis of endogenous glucocorticoids, which can also be genetically determined, autoimmune, hypoplastic, malignant or iatrogenic.

What are the potential consequences and complications of weakness? If weakness is associated with serious diseases, the lack of diagnosis and adequate therapy can lead to its progression with possible irreversible damage and dysfunction of individual organs and systems.

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Symptoms weakness in the body

As the first signs of weakness, doctors consider patients' complaints that they have no strength for ordinary activities, feel lethargic and weak in the body in the morning, and by evening the person simply "falls off his feet." Other symptoms include excessive sweating, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, and problems falling asleep.

When such symptoms as fever, body aches and weakness are combined, an infection is immediately suspected, that is, general infectious intoxication of the body. Sore throat, headache, cough, and rhinitis are added to flu-like symptoms. With kidney infection (pyelonephritis), pain in the lumbar region, cloudy urine and hematuria are noted. And any poisoning, including food poisoning, manifests itself as weakness in the body and nausea, as well as weakness in the body and diarrhea.

Severe weakness in the body with VSD is accompanied by a decrease in blood pressure; chills, followed by paroxysmal hyperhidrosis (increased sweating); lethargy in the morning; frequent headaches, preceded by mild nausea; rapid heartbeat. VSD can also manifest itself as paresthesia (a feeling of numbness and tingling in the fingers), muscle weakness in the arms and legs, dizziness when changing body position.

In myelinopathies, the first signs include increased fatigue and dizziness, impaired coordination of movements with changes in gait.

Weakness may be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder, or condition. Physical symptoms that may occur along with weakness include: ringing in the ears, abdominal cramps and pain, muscle pain, loss of appetite, increased thirst.

Serious symptoms that may indicate a life-threatening condition and the need for emergency care require special attention. These include: severe chest pain, pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or lower back; high body temperature (above +38.7°C); incontinence of urine or feces; repeated vomiting; inability to stand; sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body; severe headache and weakness in the body; sudden deterioration of vision; slurred speech or difficulty swallowing; changes in consciousness or fainting.

Diagnostics weakness in the body

Diagnosis of weakness in the body should be made not only on the basis of complaints and physical examination of patients.

Blood tests (ESR, hemoglobin level, sugar, immune bodies, thyroid hormones, electrolytes, bilirubin, etc.) and urine tests can help clarify the cause of weakness in the body. A study of cerebrospinal fluid (a sample of which is taken by epidural puncture) and a muscle tissue biopsy may be required.

Instrumental diagnostics may include: X-ray, ultrasound, electrocardiography, electroneuromyography, nerve conduction studies, CT and MRI (including of the spine and brain), measurement of central venous pressure (for cardiological problems).

Diagnostic testing may focus on the heart, lungs, and thyroid gland. If there is a localized area of weakness, the examination will focus on the nerves and muscles.

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Differential diagnosis

Determining the cause of weakness can be challenging, so differential diagnosis is necessary, depending on the presence of other symptoms and their anatomical location. Additional laboratory tests and neurological examination can help determine the cause of the problem.

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Treatment weakness in the body

In case of temporary physiological reactive asthenia, as well as when weakness in the body occurs after an illness, doctors recommend eating well, getting enough sleep and taking vitamins. Weakness during pregnancy is controlled in the same way.

In case of anemia (low hemoglobin), iron-containing medications are required: Iron lactate (one capsule twice a day, before meals); Feramide, Ferroplex, Sorbifer, Aktiferrin, etc. – in a similar dosage.

Drug treatment of weakness in the body is aimed at the cause of this condition - an infectious, metabolic, somatic or neurological disease, and the necessary drugs are prescribed by a doctor based on a specific diagnosis. These can be antibiotics, corticosteroids, cytostatics, anticholinesterase or adrenomimetic agents. In case of genetically determined and autoimmune pathologies, drugs are used to reduce symptoms.

Weakness in the body with VSD is treated with adaptogenic tinctures of Schisandra chinensis, purple echinacea, and Eleutherococcus senticosus extract. It is recommended to take ginseng tincture 18-20 drops twice a day. This tincture is not used to treat pregnant women and children under 12 years of age, with high blood pressure and poor blood clotting. The drug can cause tachycardia and headache.

More information in the material - Drugs that increase performance, and also - What to do with low blood pressure

If autoimmune myasthenia is diagnosed, the anticholinesterase drug Pyridostigmine (Kalimin, Mestinon) is used - one pill (60 mg) up to three times a day. This drug is contraindicated in spasms of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract, bronchial asthma, thyrotoxicosis and Parkinson's disease. And its side effects can be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased blood pressure and heart rate, as well as hyperhidrosis and convulsions.

In case of weakness in the body caused by progressive multiple sclerosis, β-interferon, cytostatics (Natalizumab), and the immunomodulatory agent Glatiramer acetate (Axoglatiran, Copaxone) can be used. Glatiramer acetate dosage is 20 ml subcutaneously, injection once a day. The use of this drug is accompanied by side effects of heart rhythm disturbances and chest pain, increased blood pressure, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, and fainting.

When weakness is caused by myelinopathies (polyneuropathies), vitamins of group B are prescribed, as well as (except for pregnant women and patients under 18 years of age) metabolic preparations of alpha-lipoic (thioctic) acid - Octolipen (Thioctacid, Berlition and other trade names): 0.3-0.6 g once a day, half an hour before meals. Side effects of this drug include nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, taste changes, dizziness, sweating.

Depending on the diagnosis, physiotherapy treatment may be used: massage, electrophoresis, diadynamic currents, electrosleep, darsonvalization, hydrotherapy (therapeutic baths, shower massage), balneotherapy (hydrogen sulphide and sulphide waters). See also - Physiotherapy for vegetative-vascular dystonia

Homeopathy suggests treating weakness in the body with Phosphoric acid and Phosphorus, Gelsemium, Nux vomica, Ignatia, Sarcolacticum folium, Onosmodium.

Folk remedies

Traditional treatment for general weakness suggests drinking a decoction of rose hips, birch sap, and taking mumiyo.

Mumiyo increases vitality and immunity of the body and is considered the remedy of choice for combating weakness in the body. It is enough to dissolve a tablet of purified pharmacy mumiyo in half a glass of lukewarm water once a day (for at least two months) and drink it 30-40 minutes before meals.

Herbal treatment includes daily use of red clover flower decoction (tablespoon per glass of boiling water): drink half a glass twice a day. In the same way, it is recommended to take an infusion or tea from fireweed, ginkgo biloba leaves, and licorice root.

In addition, to recharge your batteries and restore your strength, folk medicine recommends including eggs, milk, honey, bananas, seasonal fruits and berries in your diet. Eggs are rich in protein, iron, vitamin A, riboflavin, pantothenic and folic acids (eating one egg a day is enough).

Milk is considered a good source of calcium and essential B vitamins. And whenever you feel weak in the body, drink a cup of warm milk with a teaspoon of honey. In addition, it is useful to drink milk with boiled figs once a day (boil two or three figs in 250 ml of milk for several minutes).

Bananas are an excellent source of fructose and glucose (energy sources) and potassium, which helps convert glucose into energy.

Strawberries are a low-calorie addition to a healthy diet that provide antioxidant vitamin C, iron, manganese, iodine and fiber.

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Prevention

Is it possible to prevent the occurrence of weakness in the body? Return to the section Causes of weakness in the body: with this (far from complete) list of causes, the problematic nature of preventive measures immediately becomes obvious. True, it is possible to prevent overwork, lack of sleep, partly stress, anemia, colds and flu...

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Forecast

No one will undertake to give a prognosis for the development of this condition in case of general somatic and neurological diseases.