Cachexia (Wasting Syndrome)

Many health conditions may lead to thinness, but the case of cachexia (wasting syndrome) is a serious condition that causes extreme weight and muscle loss.

Cachexia (wasting syndrome)

Cachexia (wasting syndrome) is a common complication that occurs due to severe chronic diseases.

Causes of cachexia (wasting syndrome)

• When a person becomes very ill, the metabolism boosts the immune system in order to fight the disease harder, and this process requires more demand for energy that comes from food, but at the same time, severe illnesses cause loss of appetite. Therefore, when there isn’t sufficient energy from food, the body resorts to the fat and muscle in the body to get it.
• Conditions that cause cachexia (wasting syndrome) are cancer, which is the most common cause, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, certain infections like AIDS, chronic inflammations like rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Symptoms of cachexia (wasting syndrome)

• Loss of appetite.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Muscle loss.
• Extreme tiredness and weakness.
• Cachexia (wasting syndrome) may lead to depression and anxiety, and it can be life-threatening, especially in cancer conditions.

Diagnosis of cachexia (wasting syndrome)

• Physical exam.
• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of cachexia (wasting syndrome)

• Treating cachexia depends on managing the underlying condition, taking care of the patient’s nourishment, and providing psychological health support.