Gastroenteritis??

My father, 82, lost his appetite 8 months ago and lost 25 lbs.  He says food does not taste good to him but he will eat candy and pudding, etc.  He also has a problem swallowing.  He has always been a good eater in the past.    He was diagnosed with gastroenteritis but no treatment has been found. He also has an anal mucus discharge.  He had very low iron and was given mega iron last week.  What treatments are available?  

[Enoch Choi, MD]

God bless you for taking care of your dad.  In old age, taste changes.  Swallowing can be more difficult and if there's any problem, one may need an occupational therapist check for an adequate swallow reflex.  Gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines, either from virus or bacteria - since no treatment was recommended it sounds as if it were viral.  Chronic anal mucous discharge is not normal.  Iron can constipate.  Treatments can be recommended by a second opinion with a gastroenterologist

Enoch Choi,MD

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