CACHEXY Meaning and
Definition
-
Cachexy is a medical term referring to a state of severe and widespread bodily wasting. It is a complex condition characterized by marked weight loss, loss of muscle mass, and general decline in overall health and wellbeing. Cachexy is often associated with chronic illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, chronic kidney disease, and advanced stages of heart failure.
The term cachexy is derived from the Greek words "kakos" (meaning bad or ill) and "hexis" (meaning condition or state), highlighting the negative impact this condition has on the body. It is often characterized by symptoms such as extreme fatigue, weakness, increased susceptibility to infections, and a diminished ability to tolerate and recover from physical stress.
Cachexy is not simply a result of caloric deficiency or malnutrition, but rather a complex pathological process involving multiple factors. These can include chronic inflammation, metabolic abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, and a dysregulation of the body's immune response.
Treating cachexy requires addressing the underlying causes and managing symptoms to improve the patient's quality of life. This can involve a multimodal approach, including a combination of nutritional support, physical rehabilitation, pain management, and pharmacological interventions. However, given the complexity and often terminal nature of the underlying diseases, cachexy can be challenging to treat effectively.
In conclusion, cachexy refers to a state of severe bodily wasting and decline in overall health seen in individuals with chronic illnesses. It requires comprehensive management to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient's wellbeing.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
-
Pert. to a vitiated or deranged state of the body called cachexia.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CACHEXY
- xachexy
- vachexy
- fachexy
- dachexy
- czchexy
- cschexy
- cwchexy
- cqchexy
- caxhexy
- cavhexy
- cafhexy
- cadhexy
- cacgexy
- cacbexy
- cacnexy
- cacjexy
- cacuexy
- cacyexy
- cachexu
- kachexy
Etymology of CACHEXY
The word "cachexy" is derived from the Greek word "kakhexia" (κακηξία), which means "bad condition". The Greek word is a combination of "kakos" (κακός), meaning "bad", and "hexis" (ἕξις), meaning "condition" or "state". The term "cachexy" was formed in English by combining the Greek root with the suffix "-exy" to indicate a pathological or abnormal condition, resulting in the meaning of "general ill health" or "wasting away". The word is specifically used in medical contexts to describe a state of extreme malnutrition, weakness, and emaciation usually associated with chronic diseases such as cancer or advanced stages of AIDS.
Similar spelling word for CACHEXY
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
