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What Causes Tiredness, Low Grade Fever And Lack Of Appetite In An Elderly Person?
Subject is an active, 79year old male who developed an undiagnosed low grade fever which has persisted for two months. Blood tests led to a diagnose of undetermined origin. Subject has also experienced nausea, a feeling of a full stomach resulting in lack of appetite, headache and general tiredness and not feeling well. Some blood results showed a slight decrease in red blood count. (These tests were compared to full blood panel from nine months ago). Glucose is normal. In the last four days feet started to fall asleep and the numbness has increased to above the knees and from the hands to the forearms. It has become difficult to walk. These symptoms have developed over a period of four days. PCP has deemed neuropathy as the cause. Can this develop so suddenly? Could this be rabies? There are bats which frequently are in the house.
Fri, 20 Dec 2019
Hi,
Noted the history about a 79 year old male developing weakness, low grade fever unable to be diagnosed for 2 months, nausea, and now weakness with numbness all limbs, PCP think of Neurologist;s opinion.
The commonest causes of low grade fever and other symptoms in an elderly can be one of the following:
Urinary tract infection is common in old age due to stasis of urine due to enlarged prostate.
Anything related to heart, endocarditis or so.
Lung or liver infection.
Since you have mentioned only the blood tests I would advise the patient the following:
Blood tests including culture and sensitivity.
Urine: routine, microscopy, culture and sensitivity.
Ultrasonography of abdomen and pelvis.
X-ray of chest.
Further investigations depending upon the reports of above tests and clinical evaluation, examination.
Clinical trail with an antibiotic, metronidazole should help in such patients and should be carried out.
Once a proper diagnosis has been made it is possible to have proper management including that of neurological manifestations.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon
Noted the history about a 79 year old male developing weakness, low grade fever unable to be diagnosed for 2 months, nausea, and now weakness with numbness all limbs, PCP think of Neurologist;s opinion.
The commonest causes of low grade fever and other symptoms in an elderly can be one of the following:
Urinary tract infection is common in old age due to stasis of urine due to enlarged prostate.
Anything related to heart, endocarditis or so.
Lung or liver infection.
Since you have mentioned only the blood tests I would advise the patient the following:
Blood tests including culture and sensitivity.
Urine: routine, microscopy, culture and sensitivity.
Ultrasonography of abdomen and pelvis.
X-ray of chest.
Further investigations depending upon the reports of above tests and clinical evaluation, examination.
Clinical trail with an antibiotic, metronidazole should help in such patients and should be carried out.
Once a proper diagnosis has been made it is possible to have proper management including that of neurological manifestations.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon
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