Objectives
• Providing sufficient nutrition
• To prevent and control weakness and loss of
weight
• To accelerate recovery
•
To provide enough proteins
Dietary modifications
Energy: Energy requirements are
increased in order to minimize weight loss and enhance
recovery.
Proteins: In fevers of long duration,
there is considerable loss of body tissues. Serum
albumin levels are often low. Therefore, it is essential
to increase the protein intake.
Carbohydrates: Enough carbohydrates
should be included in the food to meet the increased
energy requirements.
Fats: Too much fat should be avoided
as it frequently causes stomach upset and diarrhoea.
Minerals: A liberal amount of
calcium should be included in the diet to promote
healing. Enough milk and milk products should be
added in the daily diet. Iron supplements may be
required, if the patient suffers from anaemia.
Vitamins: The diet should provide
adequate vitamins. Antibiotics and some other drugs
interfere with the synthesis of vitamin B in the
intestines. So, vitamin supplements may have to
be given along with these medicines. |
