Malnutrition

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Malnutrition (mal-noo-TRISH-un) occurs when you do not get enough calories or nutrients to keep you healthy. Nutrients are protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Malnutrition may make your body weak. It may cause health problems such as trouble fighting infections and healing. Malnutrition may be caused by not eating enough of the right food or by having certain health conditions.
  
  
• Malnutrition usually develops in stages over a long period of time. Signs and symptoms may not appear until the later stages of malnutrition. Some signs and symptoms of malnutrition are tiredness, weakness and weight loss. Other signs and symptoms are slow or no growth in children, slow wound healing, and hair and skin changes. The treatment for malnutrition depends on the cause. You may need to increase calories in your diet by eating more food. You may also need to eat or drink a nutrition supplement or take vitamins and minerals. Your caregiver may treat you with medicines if you have a health problem that is causing your malnutrition.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• You may need to take medicines or supplements. Some of the medicines or supplements you may need to take are:
  
  
  • Appetite stimulants: These medicines help improve your appetite so you will want to eat more.
    
    
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin and mineral supplements help to increase the level of vitamins and minerals in your body. Take only the vitamin or mineral supplement that your caregiver recommends.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

How can I take care of myself at home?

• Diet: Your dietitian will tell you about the diet plan that is right for you. You may need to increase the calories and nutrients in your diet by doing one or more of the following:
  
  
  • Eat large meals and snacks between meals.
    
    
  • Eat small meals often throughout the day if you have trouble eating large meals.
    
    
  • Eat or drink a nutrition supplement if you have trouble eating the right kinds and amounts of food. Your dietitian will give you information on the type of nutrition supplement you should take.
  
  
• Support: If you cannot buy or prepare the right kinds of foods, talk to your caregiver. Ask for information about community programs that can help you.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You cannot follow the diet that your caregiver gave to you, or you have questions or concerns about it.
  
  
• You lose or gain a large amount of weight within a short amount of time.
  
  
• You are taking new medicines that cause symptoms that keep you from eating the right kinds and amounts of food. These symptoms may include a lack of appetite, bad taste in your mouth, or dry mouth.
  
  
• You feel depressed (sad), confused, tired, irritable (bad mood) and you do not feel like eating.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have signs of a heart attack:
  
  
  • Chest pain or discomfort that spreads to your arms, jaw, or back.
    
    
  • Unusual, sudden back pain.
    
    
  • Nausea (sick to your stomach).
    
    
  • Trouble breathing.
    
    
  • Sweating.
    
    
  • Lips or nailbeds that turn blue or white in color.
    
    
  • This is an emergency. Call 911 or 0 (operator) for an ambulance to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself!
  
  

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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