Asthenia: What It Is, Symptoms and Causes of the Asthenic State

Asthenia is not a separate disease but a state in which there is no energy for weeks and rest hardly helps. Weakness and lack of energy with it interfere with ordinary tasks. We explain how it manifests, what causes there are, and when it is time to see a doctor.

What asthenia and asthenic syndrome are

Fatigue is a feeling of being worn out, weak, and short of energy that interferes with work, study, and ordinary tasks. Normally this is how the body responds to physical exertion, emotional strain, boredom, or lack of sleep. But sometimes a physical or mental disorder is hidden behind it.

Fatigue in itself is not a disease but a symptom. Therefore the wording "asthenia disease" is imprecise. People speak of an asthenic state or asthenic syndrome when the loss of energy persists for a long time, is not explained by obvious causes, and limits everyday tasks. Myalgic encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome, is distinguished separately: exhaustion lasts a long time, does not go away after rest, and interferes with doing ordinary things.

Symptoms of asthenia: main signs

The main thing is a lack of energy, weakness, fatigue that interferes with everyday tasks. The picture suggests where to look for the cause.

Loud snoring, waking with gasping or strangled sounds indicate sleep apnea. Pale skin, noticeable heartbeat, and shortness of breath indicate anemia. Thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss indicate diabetes. Irritability, anxiety, and muscle weakness indicate an overactive thyroid gland. Problems with memory, thinking, and concentration together with flu-like symptoms indicate chronic fatigue syndrome.

Groups of causes of asthenic states

Fatigue is associated with different groups of causes:

• Lifestyle-related: lack of sleep, alcohol, excess caffeine, too little or too much exertion, stress, loss, caring for a small child.
• Disease-related: diabetes, COPD, heart, liver, kidney, and thyroid diseases, anemia, sleep apnea, depression and anxiety disorders, fibromyalgia, untreated pain, Parkinson's disease, recent stroke, glandular fever, and COVID-19.
• Treatment-related: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplantation, recovery after surgery, certain medications.
• Hormonal: changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

Asthenia and ordinary fatigue: what the difference is

Ordinary fatigue is understandable from the context: many tasks, little sleep, stress, boredom. After rest it goes away. An asthenic state does not work that way — the person rests but does not feel better.

Next, time and impact on life decide. If fatigue drags on for weeks, you do not understand the cause, and work, study, and meeting people fall away because of weakness, this is not about laziness but about a symptom. In chronic fatigue syndrome, exhaustion persists for at least three months and greatly interferes with daily tasks.

When asthenia requires seeing a doctor

The doctor will ask about sleep, everyday tasks, appetite, and physical activity, examine you, and may order blood tests — for anemia, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. If the cause is unclear, they will refer you to a specialist.

You need to make an appointment with a doctor if fatigue persists for several weeks and you do not know why; if it interferes with your life; if weight loss or mood changes have appeared along with it; if close ones say that during sleep you snore, gasp, or make strangled sounds.

Asthenia in itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if there are signs of stroke or heart attack or a severe injury.

The text is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: a specialist at an appointment will determine what is happening specifically with you.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer