Failure to thrive in adults: treatment

This phrase describes a pattern of decline rather than one disease. Possible contributors include depression, dental problems, swallowing difficulty, medication effects, infection, digestive disease, thyroid problems or another chronic illness. A clinician reviews weight change, appetite, mood, mobility, memory, medicines, alcohol use and access to food. Examination and selected tests help identify a treatable driver while checking for dehydration, nutritional deficiency or loss of muscle strength.

Arrange a medical assessment and take a list of medicines, recent weights and changes in eating or daily activities. Treatment may involve managing the underlying illness, adjusting a medicine, dental or swallowing support, nutrition advice, strength-preserving activity, and help with shopping or meals. Small frequent meals and energy-rich foods may help some people, but supplements should be chosen with a clinician when kidney, heart or swallowing problems are present.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, black or bloody stools, inability to swallow fluids, or signs of serious dehydration. Arrange prompt review for ongoing unintentional weight loss, new swallowing trouble, persistent pain or a rapid decline in independence.

Ask what causes are being considered, which tests are appropriate, whether a dietitian or swallowing specialist could help, how progress will be tracked, and which changes should trigger urgent review.