IBD and fatigue

Did you know that fatigue is one of the most frequent concerns of IBD patients? Fatigue is defined as an overwhelming feeling of tiredness, lack of energy, or a feeling of exhaustion that is not relieved after rest or sleep. It affects almost 80% of IBD patients with active disease and 50% of patients in clinical remission.^1,2,3

What causes fatigue in IBD patients?

• Inflammation: The body’s response to inflammation can cause fatigue. Chemical signals produced during inflammation act directly on the brain to cause tiredness and lack of energy.
• Anemia: IBD patients with anemia do not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues, which can make you feel tired and weak.
• Nutritional deficiencies: low iron as well as Vitamin B₁₂ and folate deficiency may also be related to weakness and fatigue.⁴ learn more about Vitamin and mineral supplementation.
• Medication Side Effects: Fatigue may be a direct adverse effect related to medication (AZA, 6-MP, methotrexate). Steroids are also associated with increased energy and/or insomnia. Antidepressants and narcotics, commonly prescribed, may be associated with lethargy (abnormal sleepiness)
• Arthritis: Pain and inflammation of the joints leads to fatigue
• sleep bad: Sleep can be interrupted by symptoms (stomach ache at night) and anxiety.