Medical Health Encyclopedia

Malaise

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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.

Alternative Names:
General ill feeling

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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
• Infectious mononucleosis (EBV)

CHRONIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE

• AIDS
• Tuberculosis
• 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

• Lymphoma
• Leukemia
• Solid tumor malignancies, such as colon cancer

BLOOD DISORDERS

• Severe anemia

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