Diagnosis | Protein deficiency edema

Diagnosis

The suspicion of a protein deficiency edema can already be established with a medical history and a short physical examination. The doctor will ask about previous illnesses that indicate a protein deficiency or increased protein loss. Then follows the physical examination.

Edema is often a visual diagnosis. Even the layman often notices water accumulation in the tissue. This is then followed by a blood test. The total protein content in the blood is measured. Urine can also be examined to determine whether protein excretion is present in the urine.

Course of disease

The course of the disease of protein deficiency edema also depends on its cause. If the cause of the protein deficiency is not eliminated in the long term, the symptoms worsen. Besides protein deficiency edema, there is also a rapid loss of muscle mass.

In order to keep the protein content in the blood more or less constant, the body breaks down muscles. The longer the protein deficiency edema lasts, the higher the risk of complications. The course of the disease can usually be halted by a protein intake (via food or as an infusion).

Therapy of a protein deficiency edema

Edema caused by protein deficiency can be treated if the cause of the edema can be eliminated – protein deficiency.In the case of hunger oedema (reduced protein intake in the diet), the protein intake should be gradually increased in order not to create a refeeding syndrome. This clinical picture can arise if patients are suddenly given normal amounts of food after a long period of malnutrition. If the pancreas is weak, digestive enzymes can be administered in tablet form.

This then leads to a better protein splitting in the intestine. Patients with end-stage liver disease usually receive infusions of protein. Since sufficient protein production in the body is no longer possible.

An extra portion of protein via the vein (as an infusion) can also be given to tumor patients. Especially if these patients suffer from ascites due to the lack of protein. If the protein deficiency edema is caused by a loss of protein in the kidney, an attempt must be made to treat the kidney disease to prevent further protein loss.