In medical jargon, we speak of AEG to designate a body which “fails”, which means “alteration of general condition”. For the general public, Dr Gérald Kierzek simplifies this notion with the 3A rule: Asthenia, Anorexia, Weight loss.
“These isolated or associated symptoms justify a rapid consultation to rule out serious pathologies.warns the doctor. If these signs affect everyone, increased vigilance is required among seniors, where the decline can be more rapid.
Asthenia, anorexia, weight loss: understanding the alert trio
Each of these medical terms corresponds to a specific reality that you must know how to identify so as not to confuse them with a simple temporary sluggishness.
- Asthenia. Unlike classic fatigue after exercise, asthenia “manifests itself as constant exhaustion despite getting enough sleep“It is a fatigue which does not yield to rest;
- Anorexia. Here, we are not talking about a psychiatric disorder, but a loss of physical appetite. It is defined by a “lack of desire to eat without changing habits”;
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Weight loss.
It is the most objective signal. We are alarmed as soon as there is a “loss of more than 5% of weight for no reason” apparent (without diet or intensive sport).
“These signs should not be trivialized, as they can signal cancer or heart failure“, recalls Dr Kierzek. They are the reflection of an organism which consumes its energy to fight against internal aggression.
When and who to consult? What to do
Faced with the appearance of one or more of these “A”, reactivity is the key to the prognosis. The first instinct should be to turn to your doctor.
The care journey begins with “an interview, a clinical examination and blood or imaging tests (ultrasound, scanner)” in order to identify the origin of this decline. Dr Kierzek is categorical about the need for professional advice: “Better to consult for nothing” than letting a pathology take hold.
However, certain signs associated with the 3A should direct you directly to the emergency room:
- Severe shortness of breath;
- The appearance of edema (swelling);
- Chest pain. In these specific cases, urgent cardiac evaluation is essential.
Management: the importance of early diagnosis
Once the alarm signal has been identified, medicine does not treat the symptoms, but their cause. “Management begins by identifying the cause via additional examinations, then adapts the treatment“, explains the doctor.
The most common error remains self-medication: taking vitamins to counteract asthenia or food supplements for weight loss can mask the real problem and delay the diagnosis of an underlying disease.
“Early medical treatment is the best lever to improve the prognosis, whether it involves adjusting heart treatment or starting an oncological protocol.” concludes our expert. The message is clear: your body speaks, learn to listen to it and don’t wait for the machine to stop to consult.