Exercise intolerance is the inability to achieve or maintain a level of exertion that others of similar fitness can, caused by underlying conditions such as heart problems, metabolic muscle diseases, anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic pain. Passive physiotherapy, oxygen supplementation, and combination therapy can help.
Exercise intolerance refers to a person’s inability to achieve or maintain a level of exertion that others of their general condition and fitness level can. It is not a condition in itself but rather a symptom that can be the result of any number of underlying causes. Heart problems are one of the main causes of exercise intolerance, as certain heart problems can reduce the availability of oxygenated blood to the various muscles in the body. Metabolic muscle diseases can also cause exercise intolerance, as these conditions can result in individual muscles not having enough energy. Other conditions that can cause similar symptoms include anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and back pain, which can make it difficult to maintain exercise levels.
Many of the conditions that can cause exercise intolerance involve the heart or other muscles in the body. The heart in particular can suffer from conditions such as heart attacks, aortic valve insufficiency, and arrhythmias that can affect proper blood circulation. Conditions like these can lead to shortness of breath that contributes to the inability to reach or maintain a desired exertion level when exercising.
Another cause of exercise intolerance can be attributed to muscle metabolic diseases. These conditions generally prevent the mitochondria within cells from producing enough energy, which can lead to muscle fatigue. Molecules that mitochondria must convert into energy can also accumulate inside cells and cause more problems. As the muscles are not able to exercise properly, one can also experience exercise intolerance.
Other conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, anemia, and chronic pain, can also cause exercise intolerance. Each underlying cause can manifest in different ways, although the end result is similar. Chronic back pain does not directly cause shortness of breath or muscle problems, but it can affect the ability to achieve and maintain the desired level of exertion for exercise.
To avoid exercise intolerance, several different methods can be employed. This may be especially necessary during rehabilitation for people suffering from any of the various conditions that can lead to exercise intolerance. Passive physiotherapy is a method that can be used if the patient is unable to exercise on their own. Depending on the underlying cause, oxygen supplementation may be helpful, or a mixture of helium and oxygen may be used. Combination therapy that brings together several of these options may also be helpful.
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