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.
Dysthymia (a long-lasting depressed mood, less severe than depression)
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:
Significant symptoms require immediate attention from your health care provider.
Review Date: 1/18/2007
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Internal Medicine
