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Malaise

Definition:

Malaise is a generalized feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being. It can be associated with a disease. Malaise can be accompanied by a feeling of exhaustion, or of not having enough energy to accomplish usual activities.

Alternative Names:

General ill feeling

Considerations:

Malaise is a nonspecific symptom that can occur with almost any significant infectious, metabolic ( endocrine ), or systemic (throughout the body) disorder. The onset may be slow or rapid depending on the nature of the disease.

Fatigue accompanies malaise in many common diseases.

Common Causes:

The following lists give examples of the diseases and conditions that can cause malaise.

ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASE

CHRONIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE

CARDIOPULMONARY DISEASE

ORGAN FAILURE

CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE

ENDOCRINE or METABOLIC

NEOPLASTIC

BLOOD DISORDERS

PSYCHIATRIC

MEDICATIONS

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