Acute vs. Chronic Fatigue Cancer-Related Fatigue Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy that varies in degree, frequency, and duration. Everyone has experienced normal fatigue, which improves with rest. Chronic fatigue associated with a disease or treatment of a disease does not improve with rest and can seriously affect a person's ability to function and quality of life. Acute vs. Chronic Fatigue Acute fatigue has a recent onset and is temporary in duration. It is usually related to excessive physical activity, lack of exercise, insufficient rest or sleep, poor diet, dehydration, increase in activity, or other environmental factors.
Acute fatigue can be a protective body function, alerting a person to rest.
It is anticipated to end in the near future, with interventions such as rest or sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet. Chronic fatigue persists, and recovery is not quickly anticipated. Fatigue can also accompany psychological problems, such as depression, or result from the use of medications. Cancer-Related Fatigue Fatigue symptoms are common, yet underrecognized, in cancer patients. Fatigue experienced by cancer patients can result from the course of the disease, preexisting physical or psychological conditions, effects of medication, or lack of exercise.