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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swollen Stomach,low WBC And UTI In Elders?

HI! My mother, 91 yrs. old, has a swollen stomach, gerds, a critically low white blood cell count, a recurring urinary tract infection, weakness and loss of appetite. She just had a test where she ate small bites of food while she was x-rayed. Don't know the test results yet. Any clues as to what may be wrong? Thank you.
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
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Geriatrics Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows.
1. The low white cell count is leading on to respiratory infection.
2. Her appetite is lost due to GERD, and associated gastritis. Infection has also further weakened her. She needs to be at present force fed to improve immunity and strength.
3. Protein diet with moderate carbohydrates and fat is necessary. Once the weakness improves, the immunity will slowly improve.
4. Recurrent GERD at this age, need to rule out any malignancies or strictures in esophagus or stomach. If not, proton pump inhibitors with domperidone should be helpful in reducing symptoms. Regular small meals in increasing frequency is helpful.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
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What Causes Swollen Stomach,low WBC And UTI In Elders?

Hi, Thanks for asking. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows. 1. The low white cell count is leading on to respiratory infection. 2. Her appetite is lost due to GERD, and associated gastritis. Infection has also further weakened her. She needs to be at present force fed to improve immunity and strength. 3. Protein diet with moderate carbohydrates and fat is necessary. Once the weakness improves, the immunity will slowly improve. 4. Recurrent GERD at this age, need to rule out any malignancies or strictures in esophagus or stomach. If not, proton pump inhibitors with domperidone should be helpful in reducing symptoms. Regular small meals in increasing frequency is helpful. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again.