What Causes Excessive Thirst And Lethargy In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Sat, 8 Apr 2017

Question: My father who is 71 years old. physically fit still working Hispanic male. He takes no medication other than supplements (vitamin). He has been week and tired with no energy. He is self employed and hasn't been working for the last 2 weeks due to being tired all the time. Dry mouth, excessive thirst. His BP is 118/ 87 pulse is around 55-68 resting. Height 5'11 Weight is approx 145-155 lbs and he is losing weight. He is a private pilot with an AP license so he does not and will not go to the Dr. One his airplane buddies is a doctor and told him his equilibrium was off. He has no fluid in his legs and no pain, just exhaustion.

Answered by Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
fatigued, weight loss,thirst,dry mouth

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your post on HCM

I do understand your pain and discomfort

As per your history is concerned please provide me few points which is related with his problem:-

1)how is his hunger now?

2)how many times he goes for urination at night?

3)has he increased sensitivity to heat?

Please follow me with answers

Hope that helps

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (10 hours later)

He is eating well has never been a big eater. He eats fruits and vegetables. He does have a good diet. Former smoker x30+ years (his one bad habit) hasn't smoked in 20years. He probably goes 1 or 2 times per night. He works outside and hasn't had a problem with heat. He is able to take breaks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need a physical examination

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your follow up answers

As per his clinical history is concerned i checked every aspects in detail and found that he needs a physical examination by your endocrinologist first. Add multivitamin caps at bed time and add vitamin B-12 injection twice a week up to one month then once a month. You can run few tests if not done so far like

(1)Fasting blood sugar, TSH,

(2)Serum sodium & potassium & calcium

(3)S cortisol & ACTH

Do all tests 12 hours fasting and take treatment as per report by your treating doctor.

Hope that helps

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana