About this topic
Malnutrition is an illness where your body does not get the right amount of nutrients. This may happen when your child is not getting enough to eat or does not eat a balanced diet. Some children have this illness because they have a problem with how their body breaks down the food they eat. Others have problems with how the body takes in the nutrients from food. Malnutrition may also be caused by certain conditions. Sometimes, a nutritional supplement is needed. Other times, the underlying cause must be treated. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Encourage your child to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet.
- Offer your child food often. Give healthy snacks between meals.
- If your child is very picky, offer a wide variety of foods.
- Do not let your child skip breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day.
- Offer your child milk and drinks that are not low fat. Unlike adults, children need these fats as they grow. Talk to your doctor or dietitian to see when to switch your child to low-fat milk.
- Encourage your child to eat more fruits and veggies. Limit your childs sweets and carbonated sodas.
- Take your child to the grocery store to help with picking out healthy snacks.
What follow-up care is needed?
The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help appetite
- Help digestion and absorption of foods
Will physical activity be limited?
Your childs physical activity may be limited due to signs of malnutrition like feeling tired and weak. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat small meals more often if your child cannot eat a lot at one sitting.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Give your child foods from all food groups. This includes fruits; veggies; dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese; carbs like potatoes, rice, and pasta; and a protein source like eggs, meat, and fish.
- Do not force-feed your child. Call your doctor is you are having concerns.
What problems could happen?
- Heart problems
- Breathing problems
- Kidney problems
- Less growth
- Loose stools
- Malabsorption problems
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Low mood or bad mood
- Feeling tired or confused
- Feeling dizzy
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach and throwing up
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition.
- I can tell you what I can do to help my child eat more.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child feels dizzy, has a loss of appetite or upset stomach, or is throwing up.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/hunger.html# ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Malnutrition/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚