Why Does Lung Cancer Make People Tired?
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Fatigue and Lung Cancer
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Fatigue commonly occurs with all types of cancer, but people with lung cancer are further burdened with decreased pulmonary function. The compromised lung function resulting from the cancer reduces the ability of the lungs to provide proper amounts of oxygen to the body. This decreased oxygen supply contributes to fatigue. Surgery to remove all or part of a lung further compromises breathing. Additionally to the specific challenges of damaged lungs, people with lung cancer face other factors related to their disease that drain their energy. The fatigue associated with lung cancer goes beyond a general sense of tiredness. The person feels weak and drained, and rest or sleep does not relieve the feeling of tiredness. Other symptoms include leg pain, difficulty walking or climbing stairs, shortness of breath even after light activity or inability to perform daily activities. The fatigue may affect concentration and may affect the person's ability to work or sleep and cause feelings of frustration, anxiety and depression.
Causes
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Cancer chemotherapy may result in reduced red blood cells, which decreases the amount of oxygen the blood can carry throughout the body, according to the Lung Cancer Alliance. Causes of fatigue include emotional stress related to coping with cancer and its treatment, poor diet caused either by the cancer or side effects from chemotherapy or disrupted lifestyle.
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Treatment
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Fatigue can be treated. Iron supplements are effective for mild anemia caused by iron insufficiency, whereas severe anemia is treated with blood transfusions or epoetin alfa, a synthetic hormone that stimulates production of red blood cells. For other causes of fatigue, keeping a journal with details about activities and energy levels throughout the day may help make planning activities easier. Rest is encouraged, but aim for short rest periods for maximum effect. Also eating well, drinking plenty of fluids, and asking for help.
Consequences
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Fatigue takes a toll on the patient and may interfere with treatment. Prolonged fatigue can cause depression and feelings of hopelessness, limiting the person's quality of life. More importantly, chemotherapy treatments may have to be postponed to allow the person to recover from extreme fatigue, especially if the fatigue results from anemia. In some cases, fatigue may prevent the patient from receiving the complete cycle of chemotherapy, reducing the effectiveness of the cancer therapy.
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