Malaise

Malaise
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Internal medicine
Symptoms	General feeling of discomfort, uneasiness, or lack of well-being
Complications
Onset
Duration
Types
Causes	Infection, chronic disease, psychological stress, medication side effects
Risks
Diagnosis	Clinical assessment
Differential diagnosis	Fatigue, depression, anxiety disorder
Prevention
Treatment	Addressing underlying cause, rest, hydration
Medication
Prognosis	Depends on underlying cause
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Malaise is a feeling of general discomfort, unease, or pain, often the first indication of an infection or other disease. The term has French origins, and it literally means "bad ease".

Definition

Malaise is a non-specific symptom and can present in the slightest ailment, such as an emotion (causing depression, anxiety, nausea, etc.) or a physical discomfort caused by an infection. It can also be a sign of serious conditions such as cancer or autoimmune diseases.

Causes

Malaise can be caused by a wide range of physical and psychological conditions. This includes minor infections (like the common cold), serious conditions (like cancer), and mental health issues (like depression and anxiety).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of malaise is based on a patient's health history, physical examination, and sometimes, diagnostic tests. Since malaise is a non-specific symptom, it may require a series of diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment

Treatment of malaise involves addressing the underlying cause. This may involve medication for infections or surgery for serious conditions. For cases where malaise is caused by mental health issues, psychotherapy or medication may be recommended.

See also

• Fatigue (medical)
• Pain
• Anxiety
• Depression