| Journal Call no. | R97.H66 |
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| Author | Chan, V. S. P. |
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| Article Title | Anorexia in dying cancer patient / V.S.P. Chan. |
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| Is Part Of | Hong Kong practitioner ; v.22, no.5, May 2000, p.226-228, +1p. |
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| Abstract | Anorexia is very common in dying cancer patients. The patients usually do not feel hungry or thirsty. They do not need much food or water for survival. Treatable causes should be identified and treated. Laboratory investigation is unhelpful. Diet manipulation, high nutrition supplement and drug management are of limited use. Patient and carer education and support are more important. Mild dehydration has some beneficial effects. Subcutaneous fluid infusion can correct dehydration if necessary but cannot relieve thirst. Nasogastric tube feeding and parenteral nutrition are inappropriate. |
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