Symptom 4: Fatigue
Constantly feeling drained, lethargic, and devoid of energy is another manifestation of ileitis. This fatigue isn’t the usual end-of-day tiredness but a pervasive exhaustion that sleep doesn’t seem to fix. The question arises: how does inflammation in the ileum lead to such overwhelming fatigue?
Firstly, if there’s blood loss from the symptom discussed above, it can lead to anemia. The reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen results in the body feeling perpetually tired. The organs aren’t receiving the oxygen they need, leading to a slowdown in function and the sensation of fatigue.
Furthermore, the malabsorption of nutrients plays a role. The inflamed ileum can’t absorb nutrients effectively, depriving the body of the essential energy sources it requires. Without adequate fuel, the body naturally feels exhausted.
There’s also a mental component. Dealing with chronic symptoms, the anxiety of flare-ups, and the overall burden of the condition can be mentally draining. This emotional fatigue often compounds the physical tiredness, leading to a reduced quality of life. (4)
