Suggest Treatment For Lack Of Appetite In An Elderly Person

Posted on Sat, 1 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 1 Apr 2017 Answered on

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : This may seem like an odd question, but I am curious about it. Could an elderly person (a 90 year-old) be generally unwell and have an undetected infection but then have an improvement for about 24 hours in that he says that he feels better and his previously poor appetite improves (although the WCC remains elevated and the CRP remains very high) and the next day deteriorates significantly (becomes even worse than before his brief improvement)? Have you ever seen this happen? Is this an unlikely scenario, if the patient does indeed an undetected infection?

Sorry, I forgot to add that the person's temperature has been a bit below 36C 19 times out of 34 readings during the last 2 weeks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, it is a possible scenario.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

The answer to your question is yes, it is possible.

Elevated WCC and CRP combined with episodes of low body temperature may indicate a moderate to severe infection ( whether viral or bacterial ) in a person with compromised immune system.

Fluctuations in the overall condition may be related to intermittent release of toxins by the pathogen and to fluctuations of the immune system response.

Cultures of blood, urine, sputum and chest x-rays, abdominal ultrasound, etc. are necessary to get a correct understanding of the condition.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Thank you very much Dr. Spaho for your very clear and helpful answer. I am grateful for the benefit of your expertise. There is only one other question that I would like to ask you. Would I be correct in assuming that overlap myeloproliferative-myelopdysplastic disorder would not by itself cause these fluctuations in temperature?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Myeloproliferative syndrome may affect temperature.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Myeloproliferative syndrome may cause occasional episodes of fever accompanied by other symptoms such painful lesions of the trunk, arms, legs and face.

So, myeloproliferative syndrome may be, at least, partially responsible for temperature fluctuations.

Incompetency of immune system may explain low temperatures.

Hope I helped you.

Kind regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana