Malnutrition

Malnutrition can be both a risk factor for developing bedsores and a condition that arises after the development of bedsores. Malnutrition is the lack of proper protein, vitamins, and minerals necessary for optimal health. This can occur when an individual does not receive adequate or appropriate meals, which can result in an increased risk of developing bedsores due to a lack of adequate nourishment to fuel tissue replacement. When malnutrition occurs as a result of a bedsore, it is generally because modifications to the patient’s diet have not been made to compensate for the additional nutritional needs that bedsores can cause. In particular, advanced bedsores that result in loss of muscle or bone can cause malnutrition to develop as the body loses essential tissues due to the injury.

Symptoms

The symptoms of malnutrition can be difficult to pinpoint, as they often mimic other conditions or illnesses. However, if the following symptoms occur consistently, malnutrition may be the cause:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Disorientation
• Anemia
• Listlessness
• Odd cravings

Malnutrition can also lead to a decreased immune system response, which can, in turn, make an individual suffering from bedsores to be more vulnerable to diseases and infection. Because of this, individuals who are at risk for bedsores, as well as those who have already developed bedsores, should be placed on a nutritional regimen designed to minimize the potential for malnutrition to develop.

Treatment

Treatment generally consists of a course of therapy that includes the addition of various essential vitamins, minerals and proteins. The patient’s nutritional needs are assessed and meals are provided which can meet most if not all of these needs. This type of treatment should be performed underneath a physician’s care, as many vitamins can prove harmful if taken incorrectly or at excessive levels.