Cachexia is a “wasting” condition that leads to significant weight loss and muscle wasting. Generally, this condition affects those in the late phases of serious ailments such as COPD, cancer, congestive heart failure, kidney disease and HIV or AIDS.
An individual with cachexia does not simply lose weight. In addition, they become so weak that the body is susceptible to infections. Take note that supplemental nutrition or calories is not enough to reverse the condition.
Categories
Cachexia has 3 main categories:
- Precachexia – there is loss of up to 5% of the body weight while having a known disease. It is accompanied by inflammation, appetite loss and metabolism changes
- Cachexia – there is loss of more than 5% of the body weight in just 12 months or less. It can be accompanied by poor appetite, loss of muscular strength, fatigue and inflammation.
- Refractory – this is applicable to individuals diagnosed with cancer. In addition, there is weight loss, loss of function, muscle loss along with failure to respond to cancer treatment
An individual with cachexia will lose weight and muscle mass.
What are the signs?
An individual with cachexia will lose weight and muscle mass. Furthermore, some individuals appear malnourished while others have normal weight.
For an individual to be diagnosed with cachexia, he/she has lost at least 5% of the body weight within the last 12 months or less with a known disease. In addition, there should be at least 3 of these:
- At first, fatigue
- Diminished muscular strength
- Poor appetite
- Anemia
- Low fat-free mass index
- In addition, elevated level of inflammation detected in the blood tests
- Lastly, low levels of albumin
Management of cachexia
It is important to note that there is no specific treatment to reverse cachexia. Generally, the objective is to improve the symptoms and quality of life.
Some of the currently used options include:
- Appetite stimulants
- Drugs such as dronabinol to improve appetite, nausea and mood
- Adapted exercise regimen
- Medications that reduce inflammation
- Dietary changes and nutritional supplements
What is the outlook?
At the present, there is no treatment for cachexia. Furthermore, in studies conducted, there are substances that can protect or restore the muscles and promote weight gain.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cachexia