Hinterhaus Productions / Getty Images
What Is Asthenia?
“Asthenia” is a medical term used to describe a lack of energy or strength and weakness.
While both conditions can be marked by weakness, asthenia and weakness are different.
Hinterhaus Productions / Getty Images
True muscle weakness doesnt often occur in asthenia.
A person with asthenia still has muscle mass and the potential for strength, but they still feel weak.
The term “fatigue” most often refers to tiredness after physical or mental exertion.
Conversely, “asthenia” refers to physical weakness that is felt without any physical or mental exertion.
Symptoms
The symptoms of asthenia will differ depending on how the body is affected.
Mental fatigue and headaches can also occur in asthenia.
They will also ask about other symptoms you may be experiencing along with asthenia.
The goal is to narrow down possible causes so that the proper tests can be ordered.
Electromyelogram may be performed if there is weakness.
Why Is Proper Diagnosis so Important?
There are so many causes of asthenia, and other health conditions present similarly, such as chronic fatigue.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment for asthenia relies heavily on the diagnostic process.
Once the underlying cause is discovered, your healthcare provider can go on to treat the condition causing asthenia.
When suffering from lifestyle-induced asthenia, moderate sun exposure and outdoor activities can prove very helpful.
Summary
Asthenia is typically a symptom of another health disorder or side effect of medication.
It is characterized by weakness or a loss of strength.
It can be a full-body experience or only occur in one area.
Since some severe conditions are associated with asthenia, diagnosing quickly is vital to ensuring prompt and effective treatment.
If you are experiencing asthenia, contact your medical provider to help get to the bottom of the cause.
Chutko, S. Surushkina, A. Rozhkova, I.S.
Osmosis.Asthenia: What is it, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and more.
Saguil A.Evaluation of the patient with muscle weakness.Am Fam Physician.2005 Apr 1;71(7):1327-36.
Hospital Da Luz.Is it spring asthenia?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Stroke Signs and Symptoms.
2010;70(3):284-92.
Michigan Medicine - University of Michigane.WELCOME TO THE FATIGUE REDUCTION DIET!
Clinica Universidad de Navarra.Chronic asthenia.
