Malaise (patient information)
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Malaise is a generalized feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.
What are the symptoms of malaise?
Malaise is a symptom that can occur with almost any health condition. It may start slowly or quickly, depending on the type of disease. Fatigue (feeling tired) occurs with malaise in many diseases. Along with malaise, you can have a feeling of not having enough energy to do usual activities.
What causes malaise?
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
- Congestive heart failure
- COPD
ORGAN FAILURE
- Acute or chronic kidney disease
- Acute or chronic liver disease
CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sarcoidosis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
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
BLOOD DISORDERS
- Severe anemia
PSYCHIATRIC
- Depression
- Dysthymia
MEDICATIONS
- Anticonvulsant (antiseizure) medications
- Antihistamines
- Beta blockers (medications used to treat heart disease or high blood pressure)
- Psychiatric medications
- Treatments involving several medications
Diagnosis
If you have signs or symptoms of an illness, tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. These may include blood tests, x-rays, or other diagnostic tests.
Based on your evaluation and any tests, your healthcare provider will recommend treatment if needed.