How Wasting Syndrome and Weight Loss is Diagnosed?

Discover the underlying cause of weight loss is very important. In some cases, it is obvious, especially when you have been diagnosed with an opportunistic infection (OI), known to cause weight loss [eg MAC or tuberculosis (TB)]. Other times, weight loss or wasting may be a symptom of an underlying IO, which has not yet been diagnosed. Consequently, a weight loss that can not be easily explained, often requires doctors to carefully examine their HIV-positive patients, especially if they continue to lose weight.

After conducting a thorough physical examination, the doctor can get a better idea of ​​the underlying cause of weight loss. For example, in a patient who is losing weight and is experiencing diarrhea, most likely a stool sample is sent to the laboratory, for microorganisms in the intestines. Another example is a patient who report not be getting enough from the beginning of a new anti-HIV medication, indicating that it affected his appetite.

Whether or not the doctor suspects a particular underlying cause that causes weight loss, he or she may recommend any of the following options:

An appointment with a nutritionist: If the problem is that the person just did not eat enough, or adequate food, an appointment with a nutritionist could help establish what the underlying problems related to food intake are. If nutritionist identifies the problem, probably recommend changes in diet to control weight loss. Visiting a dietitian can also help control dietary problems before they lead to weight loss or wear.

Analysis seeking problems that directly affect eating: Could a sore in the mouth or throat is interfering with the proper intake of food (eg .: candida , oral leukoplakia , SK , etc.). Another possibility is depression. The tests look for these medical problems can help uncover the underlying cause of eating disorders.

A fecal sample and / or endoscopy to diagnose infections in the intestines infections in the intestines can cause a serious effect on the way the nutrients from food are absorbed. If you suspect an infection, especially if there is diarrhea, analysis can be done to reach a diagnosis. If the stool sample test, for which stool samples to a laboratory for analysis are sent, does not produce any results and is still suspected the presence of an infection, the doctor may insert an endoscope into the rectum or throat (usually in a hospital) to find any germs that may cause illness. 

Blood tests: Blood tests can tell a lot about what might be happening in the body. For example, often the doctor should monitor the levels of testosterone in their male patients. Decreased testosterone in the presence of muscle loss may indicate the need to initiate hormone therapy (discussed below). Blood tests can also help determine if there is an infection in the body and if this is the cause of weight loss.