Cachexia
Cachexia, or wasting syndrome, affects up to 80% of people with advanced cancer. If you experience cachexia and want to gain weight, see the experts at Kaya Life in Gulfport, Mississippi. The highly trained specialists provide access to medical marijuana for cachexia linked to cancer. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today to determine if you qualify for medical marijuana.
What is cachexia?
Cachexia is a metabolic syndrome linked to an underlying medical problem. It’s characterized by muscle loss and sometimes fat loss. Cachexia may be linked to the following conditions:
- Cancer and its treatments
- Anorexia
- Insulin resistance
- Chronic kidney disease
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- Other chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases
- Chronic heart failure
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Treatment can eliminate unpleasant cachexia symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Studies show that patients with advanced cancer who have cachexia have lower survival rates than those without cachexia.
What are the symptoms of cachexia?
Cachexia can cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Muscle wasting
- Weight loss
- Increased basal metabolic rate
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Body fat loss
- Reduced muscle definition
Cachexia increases the risk of mortality when not addressed. Traditional cachexia treatments include increasing appetite by taking medications and altering nutritional habits.
How does medical marijuana help with cachexia?
Medical marijuana may help with cachexia, particularly cachexia linked to cancer, by boosting your appetite. It may also reduce vomiting and nausea caused by chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. This makes it easier to consume more calories, reverse muscle wasting, and achieve and maintain a healthier body weight.
Is medical marijuana for cachexia right for me?
By law, cachexia or wasting syndrome is a qualifying condition for medical marijuana use in the state of Mississippi. To determine if you qualify, you must have a cachexia diagnosis and undergo an in-person evaluation with the Kaya Life experts. Bring your medical records, proof of state residency, government-issued ID card, and a digital photo to your evaluation.
If you qualify for medical marijuana, your provider completes a medical certification, allowing you to apply for a medical marijuana card using the Mississippi Department of Health’s Mississippi Medical Cannabis Portal Program.
After you receive the card, you can purchase medical marijuana from a nearby dispensary. It’s important to take marijuana exactly as instructed.
Remember to follow up with your provider after six months and renew your medical certification and identification card annually.
Schedule a cachexia evaluation at Kaya Life by phone or request one online today to determine if you qualify for medical marijuana.
