Inanition refers to a state
of malnutrition and can arise from a multiplicity
of causes. These include acute infections, impaired
cognition, heart failure, dysphagia (swallowing
problems), dementia, delirium, depression, malignancies
and adverse effects arising from medications.
Inanition can adversely affect the immune system
of sufferers, resulting in increased susceptibility
to infections and has also been associated with
poor wound healing in persons undergoing surgery.
In addition, a state of malnutrition has a negative
impact on a person's physical functioning and
strength and can result in an increased risk of
falls and a higher risk of functional dependency.
Some of the causes of inanition
may be amenable to medical intervention, while
others that are non-reversible may be managed
by other strategies such as the use of nutritional
supplements or alternative feeding techniques.
If you, or your relative, have
suffered unintentional weight loss of greater
than 3 kg over the past three months, you should
consider an assessment by your doctor. |
