The term "constitutional symptoms" refers to the manifestation of a disease that occurs because the disease affects the entire body. They tend to be nonspecific for particular diseases and are not as helpful in diagnosis as nonconstitutional symptoms. Examples of clearly identifiable medical problems that fall into the group of constitutional symptoms include fever, headache, and sweating. More vague problems such as weakness, sleepiness or weight loss are also part of the group. Constitutional symptoms can occur individually or together, depending on the specific medical condition that affects the person.
Since the body is an organism, the effects of a particular disease in one area do not necessarily affect only one area. The immune system can produce effects throughout the body, such as problems with energy metabolism or adverse effects on the brain or other organs. Therefore, a problem in one area, such as thyroid disease, can produce constitutional symptoms as well as localized symptoms. Diseases such as infections, which affect most of the body, can also produce constitutional symptoms.
Fever is a common type of constitutional symptom of illness as it affects the whole body through the immune system and produces a high temperature. Unusual sweating is another example, and it can occur alone or in conjunction with a fever. A feeling of chills or uncontrollable shaking are also general symptoms. Tingling or unusual skin sensitivity is another type of constitutional symptom, and a headache is usually included in the definition, as it can occur for a wide variety of reasons, from eye problems to stress.
Weight loss is a vague indicator of disease, although severe weight loss is an obvious focus for the diagnosis of serious disease. This symptom can occur for a variety of reasons. The disease may affect the person's appetite or may cause malabsorption of nutrients from normal food intake. Vomiting or diarrhea as a result of the illness can also be a cause of weight loss.
Weakness is a general symptom that can indicate the presence of a variety of illnesses, from the flu to heart conditions. Abnormal sleepiness, yawning, or lethargy may also indicate the presence of an underlying disease. When the lungs or heart are affected by disease, the person may also show an inability to breathe normally or feel weak when sitting down.
The severity of constitutional symptoms generally indicates the types of treatment a person needs. Serious problems such as weakness or shortness of breath require immediate attention, while an adult with a mild fever may only require the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. Treatment options for constitutional symptoms depend on the individual patient, but generally focus on treating the underlying cause to eliminate or alleviate constitutional problems.