Unexplained Weight Loss Racgp
Unintentional weight loss in the elderly patient can be difficult to evaluate.
Unexplained weight loss racgp. Most adults have 32 teeth. Unintended weight loss red flag symptoms. Management of chewing problems in this group of patients may require multidisciplinary input from a speech pathologist dietitian and or physiotherapist to assess or manage the chewing problem.
Malnutrition and unintentional weight loss impact mortality morbidity length of stay and re admission to hospital 3 with nutrition support reducing readmission by more than 29 4 5 malnutrition is closely linked with recurrent falls and fractures lost independence. Sign in to continue. Gps should perform a thorough history symptom assessment and physical examination including for lymphadenopathy liver enlargement pleural effusion and breast or pelvic abnormality.
Unintentional weight loss occurs in 15 20 of older adults those over 65 and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality 1 clinical and epidemiological studies have reported even higher prevalence in certain populations with as many as 27 of community dwelling elderly people and 50 60 of nursing home residents being affected 1 2 w1 weight loss may be the presenting problem or an. Malnutrition is broadly defined as a nutritional deficit undernutrition excess overnutrition or imbalance 1 2 malnutrition and unintentional weight loss are issues frequently underestimated in older people that can be limited managed and controlled by timely nutrition intervention. Accurate evaluation is essential however because this problem is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
In addition to fever drenching night sweats and unexplained weight loss of greater than 10 of body weight may suggest hodgkin lymphoma or non hodgkin lymphoma 2 3 6. By dr pipin singh. Unintentional weight loss i e more than a 5 reduction in body weight within six to 12 months occurs in 15 to 20 of older adults and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality 1 in.
For unexplained weight loss should be investigated thoroughly. Weight loss may be the only symptom. Patients who present with rapid weight loss especially in the context of pain and or increasing fatigue and declining activity should be considered at risk.
Tooth loss and chewing problems.