Cachexia is characterized by weight loss and marked muscle mass, weakness and nutritional deficiencies that usually cannot be corrected even with a balanced diet recommended by a nutritionist.
This situation is usually a consequence of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer, for example.
Cachexia symptoms
The main indicative symptoms of cachexia are:
- Weight loss; Developmental delay, in the case of children; Nutritional deficiencies; Loss of muscle mass, known as sarcopenia; Intestinal malabsorption; Nausea; Loss of motor ability; Weakness; Decreased immune system activity; Excessive tiredness; Loss of appetite.
In cachexia, the loss of muscle mass occurs due to increased metabolism and loss of appetite, leading to the use of protein and fat by the body. It is important that the cause of cachexia is discovered so that treatment is started to improve the person's quality of life.
How is the diagnosis
The diagnosis of cachexia is made by the doctor based on the person's symptoms and characteristics and the result of the requested laboratory tests. In the case of cancer patients, for example, cachexia is considered when weight loss is greater than 5%, when BMI is less than 20 and weight loss is greater than 2% or when there is sarcopenia and weight loss greater than 2%.
Main causes
Cachexia is usually the result of chronic diseases, the main ones being:
- Cancer; Cardiovascular diseases, such as Congestive Heart Failure; Kidney failure; Liver problems; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Tuberculosis; Chronic infections; AIDS; Cystic Fibrosis; Visceral Leishmaniasis.
In addition, cachexia can happen as a result of intoxication and severe burns, for example.
How the treatment is done
Treatment of cachexia should be done with physiotherapy, nutrition and the use of medications. Physiotherapy is important to avoid excessive loss of muscle mass, in addition to stimulating movement, since in cachexia the person may lose motor ability.
Nutrition in cases of cachexia is usually not effective with regard to muscle mass replacement, however it is extremely important that this patient is accompanied by a nutritionist to prevent the loss of more nutrients.
In relation to medications, the doctor may recommend the use of growth hormone, steroids, anti-inflammatories, antioxidants and vitamin and mineral supplements, for example, in order to relieve symptoms.
