Which clinical term describes a feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness?

The term that describes a feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness is malaise. This word is often used in clinical settings to indicate a nonspecific feeling of discomfort, fatigue, or ill health that precedes more specific symptoms or illnesses. Malaise can occur with various conditions, including infections, chronic diseases, or even as a side effect of stress. It serves as an important clue in the medical evaluation of a patient, prompting further investigation into the underlying cause of their discomfort.

In contrast, diaphoresis refers to the excessive sweating that can accompany various conditions such as fever or anxiety, and while it may occur alongside malaise, it does not describe the feeling of unease itself. Claudication describes pain or cramping in the legs due to inadequate blood flow, typically related to peripheral artery disease, and is more specific to a particular symptom rather than a general state of discomfort. Euphoria describes an intense feeling of well-being or elation, which is the opposite of discomfort and uneasiness. Therefore, malaise is the most appropriate term for describing a general sense of unease.