General ill feeling
Key points
- Malaise is a generalized feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being that can be associated with a disease state.
- Malaise is a nonspecific symptom that can occur with almost any significant infectious, metabolic (endocrine), or systemic disorder.
- The following lists give examples of the diseases and conditions that can cause malaise.
- If signs or symptoms of a significant illness are present, testing may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Alternative names
Malaise
Definition
Malaise is a generalized feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being that can be associated with a disease state. It can be accompanied by a sensation of exhaustion or inadequate energy to accomplish usual activities.
Considerations
Malaise is a nonspecific symptom that can occur with almost any significant infectious, metabolic (endocrine), or systemic 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
- Influenza
- Acute bronchitis or pneumonia
- Acute viral syndrome
- Lyme disease
CHRONIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE
- AIDS
- Tuberculosis
- Infectious mononucleosis (EBV)
- Parasitic disease
- Chronic active hepatitis
CARDIOPULMONARY
- Emphysema or COPD
- Congestive heart failure
ORGAN FAILURE
- Acute or chronic kidney disease
- Acute or chronic liver disease
CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Sarcoidosis
ENDOCRINE or METABOLIC
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Pituitary gland dysfunction (rare)
- Adrenal gland dysfunction
NEOPLASTIC
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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