How can appetite be improved?
Patient: Hi my Dad is 87 with MDS - rbc transfusions only, every 2 weeks, Prostate Cancer (inoperable), hormone therapy at present, had radiotherapy, previous non-hodgkins lymphoma 20 yrs ago - small bowel, operated & chemo, large harmless cyst on kidney, varicose veins, heart failure & ab fib.  Has loss of appetite, sometimes metalic taste in mouth, reflux and very sore gums, which are pale in colour ie not red/blistered. Often has white foam/froth in his mouth.  Any suggestsions to improve appetite & why is gums are so sore would be appreciated. He does not want to go on those food supplement drinks :-) Doctor: Hi,Thanks for writing in. Please see that your father gets 1800 kcal food energy daily and most of this might be given as fluids for better acceptance and energy utilization. Sore gums and generalized weakness might be due to malnutrition and combined vitamin and mineral deficiency.His general condition requires to be improved and this can be done by providing him minimum daily nutritional and fluid requirements. You can include protein and vitamin supplements to give him extra energy. It is possible that he is getting emotionally weak due to illness. Please encourage him to eat and drink fluids regularly. Please do not worry.