Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
124 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Stomach Infection And Vomiting In An Elderly Person?

My father in-law has an infection, losing blood, and can t keep his food down. The doctor has not been able to determine why the infection, why he is losing blood or keep his food down. He is 84 years young with his only physical issue being dementia. What information can you help my husband and I with? Also what questions should we ask?
posted on Tue, 9 Dec 2014
Twitter Mon, 29 Dec 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 29 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi there..

Thanks for writing in.

It could be a gastrointestinal infection. Is he on probiotics like lactobacilli, which will help restore the normal intestinal flora.

He is losing blood, as in do you mean in the vomitus or in the stools? Or is he having low hemoglobin levels. Or occult blood in stool examination.

Excessive vomiting can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance which can further worsen dementia.

Has a GI scopy or colonoscopy been done?

With advancing age, have to rule out any form of of malignancy.

I hope I have been able to provide you with information that might be helpful.

Regards,
Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Stomach Infection And Vomiting In An Elderly Person?

Hi there.. Thanks for writing in. It could be a gastrointestinal infection. Is he on probiotics like lactobacilli, which will help restore the normal intestinal flora. He is losing blood, as in do you mean in the vomitus or in the stools? Or is he having low hemoglobin levels. Or occult blood in stool examination. Excessive vomiting can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance which can further worsen dementia. Has a GI scopy or colonoscopy been done? With advancing age, have to rule out any form of of malignancy. I hope I have been able to provide you with information that might be helpful. Regards, Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan