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A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): A.D.A.M.; 2013.
A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia.
Malaise is a generalized feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.
Considerations
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.
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)
LONG-TERM (CHRONIC) INFECTIOUS DISEASE
- Chronic active hepatitis
- Disease caused by parasites
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
- Pituitary gland dysfunction (rare)
- Thyroid disease
CANCER
- 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
Home Care
If you have severe 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.
What to expect at your health care provider's office
Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions such as:
- How long has this feeling lasted (weeks or months)?
- What other symptoms do you have?
- Is the malaise constant or episodic (comes and goes)?
- Can you complete your daily activities? If not, what limits you?
- Have you traveled recently?
- What medicines are you on?
- What are your other medical problems?
- Do you use alcohol or other drugs?
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.
References
- Leggett J. Approach to fever or suspected infection in the normal host. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman’s Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 288.
- Simel DL. Approach to the patient: history and physical examination. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman’s Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 6.
Review Date: 1/22/2013.
Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
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Pharmacological therapies for maintenance treatments of opium dependence
Opium is obtained from the unripe seed capsules of the poppy plant. Opium is usually used by smoking or by swallowing to create a feeling of euphoria, to provide pleasure or as an analgesic or hypnotic. Cultural attitudes affect the patterns of opioid use among different countries. In the Middle East and south east Asia, opium is used in many cases in social settings and the users do not suffer from considerable social dysfunction. It is used occasionally and mainly in male gatherings but regular use can cause dependence. Opium users have a more stable life style than heroin users and, of those who come for treatment, a higher proportion are married and live with their family.
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