Ayurvedic Name: Karshya
Description:
Karshya, or emaciation, is a Vata-dominant disorder characterized by undernourishment and depletion of Rasa and Mamsa Dhatus. It results in extreme thinness, weakness, digestive issues, and poor immunity. Causes include malabsorption, chronic illness, excessive fasting, and stress. Treatment focuses on nourishing therapies, Brimhana (tissue-building) diet, and Rasayana (rejuvenation) herbs to restore body strength.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Ksheena (Emaciation): Extreme thinness and muscle wasting, often with a noticeable loss of subcutaneous fat.
- Dourbalya (Weakness): General weakness and a significant reduction in energy levels.
- Vishama Agni (Irregular Digestion): Poor digestion, leading to malabsorption of nutrients.
- Aruchi (Loss of Appetite): Lack of interest in food, often contributing to further weight loss.
- Agnimandya (Poor Digestion): Weak digestive fire, often leading to bloating and indigestion.
- Trishna (Excessive Thirst): Increased thirst as the body tries to compensate for lack of nourishment.
Diagnosis:
Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and BMI Assessment
Risk Factors:
- Dietary Factors
Inadequate calorie intake, particularly in individuals with poor dietary habits or those with eating disorders.
Deficiency in essential nutrients like protein, iron, and B12, which can lead to muscle wasting and weight loss. - Lifestyle Factors
Prolonged physical exertion without adequate nourishment or recovery.
Stress and anxiety, which can lead to loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss.
- Medical Conditions
Chronic diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, or malabsorption syndromes that cause significant weight loss.
Digestive disorders that interfere with nutrient absorption and lead to emaciation.
Complications:
- Nutrient Deficiencies (Ahar Kshaya): Severe weight loss can lead to malnutrition, causing deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
- Immune System Weakness (Pratirodh Kshaya): Malnutrition and emaciation can compromise the immune system, leading to frequent infections.
- Muscle Atrophy (Mamsa Kshaya): Continuous weight loss leads to muscle wasting and weakness, reducing strength and mobility.
- Heart Problems (Hridaya Vikruti): Emaciation can weaken the heart muscle, leading to potential heart failure or arrhythmias.
- Mental Health Issues (Manasik Dourbalya): Chronic weight loss can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems due to physical and emotional stress.
Epidemeology:
More common in individuals with chronic diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, or HIV/AIDS.
Affects both men and women, but more prevalent in malnourished children and the elderly.
Global prevalence varies, with higher rates in developing countries where malnutrition, parasitic infections, and untreated diseases are common.
Approximately 5-10% of the population may experience chronic emaciation due to systemic illnesses or severe malnutrition.