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What Causes Unexplained Weight Loss In An Elderly Person?
Question: My husband 77, has been loosing weight (22 lbs) over the past year. The doctor didn't notice is till we brought it to his attention and he didn't know why. He had a ultra sound of his stomach and that didn't show anything. He told him to drink more milk shake and see him in 2 months. Obviously that isn't an answer. We are changing doctors but it takes time.
He takes Norco for pain and has for 25 years. He has Tyroid issues, neuropothy, etc. He does take many drugs and has for years. He complains of his stomach. His mental statis is unclear and probably dementia or ALZ. He has had all blood work and chest extra and all is good there.
Any ideas?
He takes Norco for pain and has for 25 years. He has Tyroid issues, neuropothy, etc. He does take many drugs and has for years. He complains of his stomach. His mental statis is unclear and probably dementia or ALZ. He has had all blood work and chest extra and all is good there.
Any ideas?
Brief Answer:
Hello dear. He requires evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gone through the details. I can understand your concern.
So the causes of unexplained weight loss can be varied including chronic infections like tuberculosis, uncontrolled thyroid disease, diabetes, or occult cancer or diseases like sarcoidosis. The tests you've mentioned are all normal and hence he requires further tests.
eg. Complete blood counts
ESR and mantoux
CRP
Tumor markers like CEA, ca 19.9,
Thyroid and diabetes test
And a PET-CT of whole body
Please discuss these with your doctor and revert back to me.
Thanks and Regards
Hello dear. He requires evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gone through the details. I can understand your concern.
So the causes of unexplained weight loss can be varied including chronic infections like tuberculosis, uncontrolled thyroid disease, diabetes, or occult cancer or diseases like sarcoidosis. The tests you've mentioned are all normal and hence he requires further tests.
eg. Complete blood counts
ESR and mantoux
CRP
Tumor markers like CEA, ca 19.9,
Thyroid and diabetes test
And a PET-CT of whole body
Please discuss these with your doctor and revert back to me.
Thanks and Regards
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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