Unexplained muscle mass loss?
2 min read
Asked by: Kristi Nichols
Losing muscle mass is a normal condition when getting older, however abnormal muscle loss can be caused by malnutrition, an eating disorder, or an autoimmune disease like HIV/AIDs. Muscle deterioration can also be a sign of a serious chronic disease or mental health issue.
Why am I losing muscle mass for no reason?
Lack of physical activity due to an injury or illness, poor nutrition, genetics, and certain medical conditions can all contribute to muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy can occur after long periods of inactivity. If a muscle does not get any use, the body will eventually break it down to conserve energy.
What disease causes sudden muscle loss?
Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases characterized by weakness and wasting away of muscle tissue, with or without the breakdown of nerve tissue. There are 9 types of muscular dystrophy, with each type involving an eventual loss of strength, increasing disability, and possible deformity.
Why are my arms and legs getting thinner?
Muscle atrophy is when muscles waste away. It’s usually caused by a lack of physical activity. When a disease or injury makes it difficult or impossible for you to move an arm or leg, the lack of mobility can result in muscle wasting.
What diseases cause muscle wasting and weight loss?
Cachexia is a condition that causes extreme weight loss and muscle wasting. It is a symptom of many chronic conditions such as cancer, chronic renal failure, HIV, and multiple sclerosis. Cachexia predominantly affects people in the late stages of serious diseases like cancer, HIV or AIDS, and congestive heart failure.
What autoimmune disease attacks the muscles?
Myositis (my-o-SY-tis) is a rare type of autoimmune disease that inflames and weakens muscle fibers. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s own immune system attacks itself. In the case of myositis, the immune system attacks healthy muscle tissue, which results in inflammation, swelling, pain, and eventual weakness.
What are the symptoms of muscle wasting?
In addition to reduced muscle mass, symptoms of muscle atrophy include:
- having one arm or leg that is noticeably smaller than the others.
- experiencing weakness in one limb or generally.
- having difficulty balancing.
- remaining inactive for an extended period.
What are the signs of muscular dystrophy in adults?
General Muscular Dystrophy Symptoms
- Muscle weakness.
- Difficulty walking.
- Frequent falling.
- Difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position.
- Limited movement at certain joints (called contracture)
- Heart problems.
- Problems with breathing and swallowing.
- Muscle pain or stiffness.
