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What Causes Sudden Weight Loss In An Elderly Person With Diverticulitis And High BP?
Question: Hi I am. 73 yr old female weighing 52 k, usual weight for many years. I am quit fit. Walk. Gym golf. Good diet, know what I should do to maintain good health.
Haven't had any serious illnesses in my life. Do apparently have some diverticulitis which doessent cause problems
( discovered on routine colonoscopy) Have controlled high BP.
For last few months have distended stomach, more than a fit older woman should have and it's getting v noticeable and rather uncomfortable,
. Possible causes? And what should I do?
Haven't had any serious illnesses in my life. Do apparently have some diverticulitis which doessent cause problems
( discovered on routine colonoscopy) Have controlled high BP.
For last few months have distended stomach, more than a fit older woman should have and it's getting v noticeable and rather uncomfortable,
. Possible causes? And what should I do?
Brief Answer:
Possibly reduced muscle tone.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. As there is no increase in overall body weight, distension of abdomen should not be due to fat.
2. Cause could be reduced muscle tone of abdominal muscles, possibly due to low protein diet (leading onto muscle atrophy) and additionally reduced muscle use ( No abdominal muscle exercises - Core muscle weakness)
3. Protein rich diet with core muscle strengthening exercises and breathing exercises like Pranayama should help.
4. However, another cause I can think of is secondary to diverculitis. Gas induced distension, flatulence - leading on to passage of gas. If this symptom is not present, then abdominal muscle tone should be the cause.
Do start with nutritional diet, good hydration ( at least 5-6 liters of water per day) along with core muscles exercises.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Possibly reduced muscle tone.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. As there is no increase in overall body weight, distension of abdomen should not be due to fat.
2. Cause could be reduced muscle tone of abdominal muscles, possibly due to low protein diet (leading onto muscle atrophy) and additionally reduced muscle use ( No abdominal muscle exercises - Core muscle weakness)
3. Protein rich diet with core muscle strengthening exercises and breathing exercises like Pranayama should help.
4. However, another cause I can think of is secondary to diverculitis. Gas induced distension, flatulence - leading on to passage of gas. If this symptom is not present, then abdominal muscle tone should be the cause.
Do start with nutritional diet, good hydration ( at least 5-6 liters of water per day) along with core muscles exercises.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Are there any tests that could be done to rule out, say, ca or uterine cyst?
However, it feels like fat,yet, no increase in body weight.
I agree I possibly have a low protein diet. And will increase this, thanks.
Also will increase fluid intake.
What about hormones. Or lack of ? Eg eostrogen / progesterone balance, or is this laughable in a 73 yr old??
I do some core exercises at gym once or usually twice a week with trainer
However, it feels like fat,yet, no increase in body weight.
I agree I possibly have a low protein diet. And will increase this, thanks.
Also will increase fluid intake.
What about hormones. Or lack of ? Eg eostrogen / progesterone balance, or is this laughable in a 73 yr old??
I do some core exercises at gym once or usually twice a week with trainer
Brief Answer:
Yes, Ultrasound scan abdomen would be better
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Ultrasound abdomen can help in evaluation of ovarian cyst or any cancer of abdomen.
2. Yes, hormones could have been responsible, however, at 73 years, I doubt it could be the cause.
3. Pranayama is a type of yoga, which involves breathing exercises using both abdominal and thoracic muscles. Need to do it slowly. You can find videos easily on YouTube.
4. Good to know you are doing core muscles training.
You can get a ultrasound abdomen. It will help in confirmation about abdominal fat or any cysts inside.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Yes, Ultrasound scan abdomen would be better
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Ultrasound abdomen can help in evaluation of ovarian cyst or any cancer of abdomen.
2. Yes, hormones could have been responsible, however, at 73 years, I doubt it could be the cause.
3. Pranayama is a type of yoga, which involves breathing exercises using both abdominal and thoracic muscles. Need to do it slowly. You can find videos easily on YouTube.
4. Good to know you are doing core muscles training.
You can get a ultrasound abdomen. It will help in confirmation about abdominal fat or any cysts inside.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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