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Malaise - Overview

Alternative Names

General ill feeling

Definition of Malaise:

Malaise is a generalized feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.

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

BLOOD DISORDERS

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

Reviewed last on: 1/31/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, 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.

References

Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

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