únava

Únava is a term used in Czech and Slovak to denote fatigue or tiredness. It refers to a subjective sense of reduced energy, motivation, and capacity for physical or mental activity. While fatigue is common after work, illness, or sleep loss, it may also signal underlying medical or psychiatric conditions when persistent or severe.

Fatigue can be categorized as acute or chronic. Acute fatigue develops after exertion or illness and usually improves with rest. Chronic fatigue lasts for weeks or months and may be accompanied by malaise, cognitive difficulties, and diminished functional ability. Persistent fatigue is sometimes described as chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis, a diagnosis of exclusion with specific criteria.

Common causes include sleep deprivation, stress, poor nutrition, physical overexertion, and sedentary lifestyle. Medical conditions such as anemia, thyroid disorders, diabetes, chronic kidney or liver disease, infections, autoimmune diseases, heart failure, and cancer can produce fatigue. Medications like sedatives, antihistamines, or some antidepressants can also contribute. Mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety are frequent contributors.

Evaluation typically begins with medical history and physical examination, followed by targeted laboratory and imaging tests to identify treatable causes. In persistent fatigue, doctors may screen for sleep disorders, anemia, thyroid disease, infections, and metabolic problems. If no medical cause is found and fatigue is disabling, a diagnosis such as chronic fatigue syndrome may be considered by specialists, often using established criteria and careful exclusion of other conditions.

Management focuses on treating underlying causes and improving function and energy. This often includes sleep optimization, regular physical activity as tolerated, balanced nutrition, stress management, and sleep hygiene. Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help with coping. When a specific medical condition is present, its treatment is essential. Drug therapy is generally targeted to underlying conditions rather than fatigue itself.

Prognosis varies; acute fatigue usually resolves with rest and time, while chronic fatigue can persist and require ongoing management. Prevalence of fatigue is high in the general population and increases with age and chronic disease.