Protein-calorie malnutrition occurs when your body doesn't get enough calories or protein to maintain normal function. It can range from mild undernourishment-where you may just feel a bit weak-to severe wasting of muscle and fat, leading to increased susceptibility to illness and delayed recovery.
Early on, signs may be subtle. As malnutrition worsens, you may notice:
Protein-calorie malnutrition can develop for many reasons, including:
At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, we specialize in diagnosing and treating protein-calorie malnutrition with a patient-centered approach. Our team offers on-site nutrition testing, customized meal and supplementation plans, and ongoing support to help you rebuild strength and improve immunity. You'll receive compassionate care from gastroenterology experts who listen, explain every step in clear terms, and tailor treatment to your unique needs.
Don't let malnutrition hold you back. Book an appointment today with GastroDoxs your trusted gastroenterology specialists in Jersey Village. Click here to schedule your consultation and begin a personalized nutrition plan designed to restore your energy, muscle mass, and overall well-being.
We've successfully treated more than 1K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
The primary ICD-10 code for general protein-calorie malnutrition is E46, with additional codes such as R63.4 for mild cases, E44/E44.1 for moderate cases, and E43 for severe cases.
Mild protein-calorie malnutrition is coded as R63.4 in the ICD-10 classification.
Moderate protein-calorie malnutrition is documented using ICD-10 codes E44 or E44.1.
Common warning signs include unintentional weight or muscle loss, constant fatigue, swelling in the legs or face, thinning hair, dry skin, and frequent infections or slow wound healing.
It's considered severe when there is extreme weight loss and pronounced muscle wasting accompanied by profound weakness. The ICD-10 code E43 is used for severe cases.
For mild cases, improving diet and calorie/protein intake can often reverse malnutrition. Moderate to severe cases usually require medical support such as supplements, fortified nutrition drinks, or tube feeding.
Yes. A gastroenterologist or nutrition specialist can perform the necessary tests, identify underlying causes, and create a personalized treatment plan to safely address malnutrition.
Recovery time varies based on severity, overall health, and adherence to the treatment plan. Many patients notice improvement within weeks, but full recovery may take several months of consistent care.
Yes. Chronic conditions like cancer, kidney disease, Crohn's disease, or celiac disease can impair nutrient absorption and appetite, increasing the risk and severity of malnutrition.
At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, we provide comprehensive nutrition assessments, personalized meal planning, high-calorie and high-protein supplements, tube feeding when needed, and regular follow-up to track your progress and support your recovery.
