Definition
Cachexia is the name for a weight loss, which is usually caused by a disease. In the course of a serious illness, all reserves are used up due to the extreme physical strain. This includes the fatty tissue that lies protectively around the various organs and the muscles. As a result, those affected look extremely emaciated and weakened. Cachexia is a typical appearance that is often observed in people suffering from advanced cancer.
Causes
Cachexia is an appearance that is usually triggered by a so-called systemic disease. This means that it is a disease that affects the entire body and is a major physical burden. A typical cause of cachexia is therefore cancer of various kinds.
But even a serious infectious disease, such as AIDS, can lead to cachexia in an advanced stage. Chronic heart or kidney failure can also cause cachexia. This is because the limited functionality of these important organs makes most of the processes in the body more difficult.
As a result, the body tries to use all possible energy sources, including the fat around the organs. But other causes, such as the deprivation of food, also come into question. This can occur for example during a hunger strike or anorexia.
Metabolic disorders, alcohol addiction or mercury poisoning can also cause cachexia in rare cases. One of the most common causes of cachexia is cancer. This is also referred to as tumor cachexia.
The cancer disease leads to an increase in certain cycles, such as an increased activation of the immune system. Furthermore, the disease represents an extreme stress situation for the body. These are triggers for increased energy consumption, which in turn is reflected in the depletion of all the body’s reserves.
In addition, the body is weakened by radiation and/or chemotherapy. Malnutrition can also lead to cachexia. Malnutrition can be caused by various factors.
These include various illnesses, eating disorders or malnutrition with the reduced intake of important energy substances. Over time, malnutrition leads to loss of appetite, which further increases the symptoms. This results in a severe weight loss and the body begins to use up any energy reserves that are available. This can eventually lead to the clinical picture of cachexia.
