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CACHEXIA (WASTING SYNDROME)

CACHEXIA :

Cachexia is a complex change in the body, causing you to lose weight despite eating normally.

Cachexia (kak-ex-ee-a) comes from the greek word kakos. It means bad. Hexis means condition. Anorexia means loss of apetite and is sometimes associated with cachexia.

It is also called wasting syndrome or anorexia cachexia syndrome.

People with cachexia lose muscle and often fat as well.

With cachexia the cells in your muscles , fat, and liver might not respond well to insulin. Insulin helps to take glucose from your body, so your body can't use glucose from your blood for energy.

cachexia
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Symptoms of cachexia:

  • Involuntary weight loss
  • Muscle wasting
  • Loss of apetite or anorexia
  • Reduced functional ability
  • Swelling or oedema

Complications:

  • Diminished quality of life and loss of the ability to live independently.
  • Impaired response to treatments.
  • Reduced immunity.
  • A reduced life expectancy from the underlying disease.

Risk factors:

  • Cancer, especially in the lung, pancreas, and stomach.
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).
  • Chronic renal failure.
  • Cystic fibrosis.
  • HIV
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Treatments:

  • Focusing on the social aspects of eating.
  • Eat frequent small , meals.
  • Emotional support.
  • Apetite Stimulants.
  • Light exercise.

Prevention:

An active lifestyle with balanced nutrition may reduce the risk of a chronic condition that could lead to cachexia.
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