We may wrongly think that they are not worrying…
In health, the abbreviation “AEG” means “alteration of general condition”. “It refers to a set of non-specific symptoms that indicate an overall decline in a person’s health,” explains Dr Adrien Dereix, general practitioner and medical director of the Elsan Paris République Medical Center. This deterioration in general condition may be due to several causes. “The first is an infection, viral or bacterial, continues the doctor. But also kidney disease, heart failure, chronic lung disease or poorly controlled diabetes.” Certain types of cancer can affect general health, particularly in advanced stages.
Management of AEG primarily involves a consultation with a healthcare professional for a detailed history and physical examination. “We will be able to prescribe blood tests, medical imaging (x-rays, ultrasound, scanner, MRI) or specific examinations depending on the symptoms and diagnostic hypotheses.” Once the cause is identified, treatment will be tailored accordingly, whether it is an infection, chronic illness, cancer or another disorder. “We will be particularly vigilant if it is an elderly person who can easily become dehydrated or have heart problems.”
We can use the 3A rule to characterize the alteration of a person’s general condition. “Among the main typical signs and symptoms associated with AEG, we cite Anorexia (decrease or loss of appetite), Weight loss (significant weight loss – more than 5% of total weight – without modification of body weight). diet or physical activity) and Asthenia (constant feeling of fatigue and lack of energy, even after adequate rest).” It is the association of these three markers combined (but not always alarming) which should alert the patient and encourage him to consult his doctor.
Other signs may be associated such as loss of muscle mass, reduced morale, irritability, sleep disorders, signs of dehydration, dry and fragile skin, cognitive disorders (difficulty concentrating, mental confusion , or memory impairment). “In the elderly in particular, we may think, wrongly, that this AEG is not worrying and attribute it to old age. However, these symptoms are the repercussion of an illness on the state of health of the patient, and not a physiological consequence of advanced age.”