Cancer unintentional weight loss herbal treatment
Upper gastrointestinal studies have a reasonably high yield in selected patients. GRACE BROOKE HUFFMAN, M. e. 1, 2 When a patient has multiple medical problems and is taking several medications, the differential diagnosis of unintentional weight loss can be extensive. Etiology History and Physical Examination Diagnostic Studies Treatment References Unintentional weight loss in persons older than 65 years is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Nutritional supplements and flavor enhancers, and dietary modification that takes into account patient preferences and chewing or swallowing disabilities may be considered. , by unmasking problems such as anxiety). Patient information: See handout on unintentional weight loss in older adults, written by the authors of this article. GADDEY, MD, Ehrling Bergquist Family Medicine Residency Program, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska KATHRYN HOLDER, MD, David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, California Am Fam Physician. This clinical content conforms to AAFP criteria for continuing medical education (CME). Overall, nonmalignant diseases are more common causes of unintentional weight loss in this population than malignancy. Chest radiography and fecal occult blood testing should be performed. Medication use and polypharmacy can interfere with taste or cause nausea and should not be overlooked. , Brooke Grove Foundation, Sandy Spring, Maryland Am Fam Physician. Management is directed at treating underlying causes and providing nutritional support. A readily identifiable cause is not found in 16% to 28% of cases.
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The most common etiologies are malignancy, nonmalignant gastrointestinal disease, and psychiatric conditions. D. Polypharmacy can cause unintended weight loss, as can psychotropic medication reduction (i. When baseline evaluation is unremarkable, a three- to six-month observation period is justified. Appetite stimulants may increase weight but have serious adverse effects and no evidence of decreased mortality. Consequences of Weight Loss Pathophysiology Differential Diagnosis Evaluation Evaluation in the Long-Term Care Facility Treatment Final Comment References Article Sections. The leading causes of involuntary weight loss are depression (especially in residents of long-term care facilities), cancer (lung and gastrointestinal malignancies), cardiac disorders and benign gastrointestinal diseases. Consequences of Weight Loss Pathophysiology Differential Diagnosis Evaluation Evaluation in the Long-Term Care Facility Treatment Final Comment References Elderly patients with unintentional weight loss are at higher risk for infection, depression and death. Unintentional weight loss in the elderly patient can be difficult to evaluate. A reasonable work-up includes tests dictated by the history and physical examination, a fecal occult blood test, a complete blood count, a chemistry panel, an ultrasensitive thyroid-stimulating hormone test and a urinalysis. Evaluating and Treating Unintentional Weight Loss in the Elderly. Recommended tests include a complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, liver function tests, thyroid function tests, C-reactive protein levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, glucose measurement, lactate dehydrogenase measurement, and urinalysis. Accurate evaluation is essential, however, because this problem is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Medications that may cause nausea and vomiting, dysphagia, dysgeusia and anorexia have been implicated. A specific cause is not identified in approximately one quarter of elderly patients with unintentional weight loss. Etiology History and Physical Examination Diagnostic Studies Treatment References Article Sections. Social factors may contribute to unintentional weight loss.
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