Which symptoms are considered ALARM symptoms in patients over 55 years old?

ALARM symptoms are specific warning signs that may indicate a serious underlying condition, particularly in patients over the age of 55. These symptoms prompt further investigation to rule out conditions such as malignancy or severe gastrointestinal diseases.

In this context, the loss of weight greater than 10 kg over a span of 6 months is particularly significant. Unintentional weight loss can be a strong indicator of serious health issues, including cancers, gastrointestinal disorders, or chronic infections, especially in older adults who are at a higher risk for these conditions. Therefore, such significant weight loss is characterized as an ALARM symptom, warranting further medical evaluation.

The other options, while potentially concerning, do not carry the same level of urgency as ALARM symptoms. Nausea and vomiting can have various benign causes, a persistent cough could relate to less serious conditions such as allergies or infections, and frequent heartburn may be symptomatic of gastroesophageal reflux disease but is not as critical as the significant weight loss noted. Thus, the key distinction lies in the potential implications of these symptoms for serious underlying health risks in older patients.