Malaise (patient information)

For the WikiDoc page on Malaise, click here

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor-In Chief: Marcelo R. Zacarkim, M.D. [2]

Overview

Malaise is a generalized feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.

What are the symptoms of Malaise?

Malaise is a symptom that can occur with almost any health condition. It may start slowly or quickly, depending on the type of disease. Fatigue (feeling tired) occurs with malaise in many diseases. Along with malaise, you can have a feeling of not having enough energy to do usual activities.

What causes Malaise?

The following lists give examples of the diseases, conditions, and medications that can cause malaise:

SHORT-TERM (ACUTE) INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Acute bronchitis or pneumonia
Acute viral syndrome
Infectious mononucleosis (EBV)
Influenza
Lyme disease

LONG-TERM (CHRONIC) INFECTIOUS DISEASE

HEART AND LUNG (CARDIOPULMONARY) DISEASE

ORGAN FAILURE

Acute or chronic kidney disease
Acute or chronic liver disease

CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE

ENDOCRINE or METABOLIC DISEASE

Adrenal gland dysfunction
Diabetes
Pituitary gland dysfunction (rare)
Thyroid disease

CANCER

Leukemia
Lymphoma (cancer that starts in the lymph system)
Solid tumor cancers, such as colon cancer

BLOOD DISORDERS

Severe anemia

PSYCHIATRIC

MEDICATIONS

Anticonvulsant (antiseizure) medications
Antihistamines
Beta blockers (medications used to treat heart disease or high blood pressure)
Psychiatric medications
Treatments involving several medications

Diagnosis

If you have signs or symptoms of an illness, tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. These may include blood tests, x-rays, or other diagnostic tests.

Based on your evaluation and any tests, your healthcare provider will recommend treatment if needed.

When to seek urgent medical care?

Contact your health care provider if:

You have other symptoms with the malaise.

Malaise lasts longer than one week, with or without other symptoms.

Treatment options

If you have severe malaise, contact your health care provider immediately.

Where to find medical care for (condition)?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Malaise

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003089.htm Template:WH Template:WS