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What Causes Severe Weight Loss And Sudden Loss Of Appetite In An Elderly Person?
Question: Male, 70 years, decreased appetite w/ weight loss for over a year, very fatigued, generalized weakness becoming progressively more severe, frequent episodes of chest pain after exertion, increased frequency of urination, diminished stream, incontinence of urination on occasion. Just today, lower thoracic pain. What do you think?
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Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that it is important performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis between different causes that may lead to this symptomatology:
-a tumor (maybe prostate or the colon)
- a metabolic disorder (thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, vitamin deficiency, etc.)
- chronic inflammation.
So, I would recommend consulting with his doctor and performing some tests:
- a chest X ray study
- a resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound
- an abdominal ultrasound
- some blood lab tests (complete blood count, kidney and liver function tests, PCR, ESR, fasting glucose, blood electrolytes, PSA, CEA).
Further tests may be needed.
But if the chest pain is unbearable, I would recommend bringing him to the nearest ER service for the above tests. a chest CT scan and cardiac enzymes would be necessary in such case.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that it is important performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis between different causes that may lead to this symptomatology:
-a tumor (maybe prostate or the colon)
- a metabolic disorder (thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, vitamin deficiency, etc.)
- chronic inflammation.
So, I would recommend consulting with his doctor and performing some tests:
- a chest X ray study
- a resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound
- an abdominal ultrasound
- some blood lab tests (complete blood count, kidney and liver function tests, PCR, ESR, fasting glucose, blood electrolytes, PSA, CEA).
Further tests may be needed.
But if the chest pain is unbearable, I would recommend bringing him to the nearest ER service for the above tests. a chest CT scan and cardiac enzymes would be necessary in such case.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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