- Health A to Z
Definition
Malaise is a generalized feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.
Alternative Names
General ill feeling
Considerations
Malaise is a symptom that can occur with almost any significant health condition. It may start slowly or quickly, depending on the type of disease.
Fatigue occurs with malaise in many common diseases. Mailaise can be accompanied by a feeling of not having enough energy to accomplish usual activities.
Common Causes
The following lists give examples of the diseases, conditions, and medications that can cause malaise.
SHORT-TERM (ACUTE) INFECTIOUS DISEASE
- Acute bronchitis or pneumonia
- Acute viral syndrome
- Infectious mononucleosis (EBV)
- Influenza
- Lyme disease
LONG-TERM (CHRONIC) INFECTIOUS DISEASE
- AIDS
- Chronic active hepatitis
- Disease caused by parasites
- Tuberculosis
HEART AND LUNG (CARDIOPULMONARY) DISEASE
ORGAN FAILURE
- Acute or chronic kidney disease
- Acute or chronic liver disease
CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE
ENDOCRINE or METABOLIC DISEASE
- Adrenal gland dysfunction
- Diabetes
- Pituitary gland dysfunction (rare)
- Thyroid disease
CANCER
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma (cancer that starts in the lymph system)
- Solid tumor cancers, such as colon cancer
- Severe anemia
PSYCHIATRIC
MEDICATIONS
- Anticonvulsant (antiseizure) medications
- Antihistamines
- Beta blockers (medications used to treat heart disease or high blood pressure)
- Psychiatric medications
- Treatments involving several medications
Home Care
If you have significant malaise, contact your health care provider immediately.
Call your health care provider if
Contact your health care provider if:
- You have other symptoms with the malaise.
- Malaise lasts longer than one week, with or without other symptoms.
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Reviewer Info: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 02/22/2009 |
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