3. Fatigue: The Unending Battle with Tiredness
Unrelenting fatigue, a kind that isn’t alleviated with rest, can be another telling sign of mesothelioma. We’re not referring to the occasional tiredness everyone feels after a long day. This is a profound exhaustion that seeps into daily life, making even basic activities feel overwhelmingly taxing.
The origins of this fatigue can be twofold. Firstly, the body’s response to any form of malignancy is often a heightened sense of tiredness. It’s the body’s way of signaling that resources are being redirected to fight the illness, leaving less energy for routine tasks. This type of fatigue is systemic and can manifest even after prolonged periods of rest.
Secondly, the link between other symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue is undeniable. If breathing becomes laborious, the body is deprived of the necessary oxygen it needs for energy. This deprivation can lead to an amplified sense of weariness, even without significant physical exertion.
Another dimension of this symptom is the impact on cognitive functions. Prolonged fatigue can lead to difficulties in concentration, memory lapses, and a general feeling of being ‘out of it.’ It’s a cascading effect where the physical tiredness spills over into mental faculties, making daily functioning even more challenging. (3)
