In patients with mesothelioma, fatigue is a common symptom. It is characterized by:
- a general lack of energy
- reduced ability to function (walk, dress oneself, concentrate, etc.)
- mental distress (panic, worry)
- feeling of weakness, exhaustion, etc.
While fatigue is primarily a physical symptom of mesothelioma, psychological and emotional factors play a part, as well.
A mesothelioma patient may have acute fatigue, which is brief and episodic, or chronic fatigue, which is characterized by a long-term inability to get adequate rest.
In cases of mesothelioma, patients also may drastically curtail or otherwise change their dietary activities. Malnutrition due to other symptoms of mesothelioma cannot be discounted, including the effects of prescribed treatment. Radiation and chemotherapy are especially apt to cause nausea and lack of appetite, which leads to poor nutrition and falling energy levels in mesothelioma patients. Radiation in particular is known to affect the salivary glands, and can destroy the patient’s sense of taste and ability to eat solid foods.
The link between fatigue and mesothelioma is not fully understood, but research indicates that drug interactions, pain, and other aspects of mesothelioma may be related. Psychological burdens, such as anxiety and depression resulting from the diagnosis itself, may also contribute to fatigue.
