Question

Describe a homeostatic imbalance of one of the systems we studied this semester. It can be any disease or imbalance of your choice. Describe how it affects your selected body system.

Answer 1

Impaired homeostasis (or homeostatic imbalances) can be described as a condition in which the human body’s internal environmental variables become disturbed. It can be caused by a number of factors which include the aging of the person’s organs and the organ’s control systems or feedback mechanisms, external disruption, such as hot weather, or an internal disruption, such as a fall in blood glucose levels.

Many homeostatic mechanisms keep the internal environment within certain limits (or set points). When the cells in your body do not work correctly, homeostatic balance is disrupted. Homeostatic imbalance may lead to a state of disease. Disease and cellular malfunction can be caused in two basic ways: by deficiency or toxicity. Deficiency occurs when beneficial pathways are blocked and cells lack adequate quantities of vitamins or minerals. Toxicity occurs when cells have an excess of a toxin that poisons the cell. Cells are delicate and require concise levels of every necessary substance; levels that are too high and levels that are too low can be extremely dangerous.

MALNUTRITION

World-wide, the elderly population is increasing, and with it, the prevalence of malnutrition. Data from around the world estimates that nearly 40% of hospitalized elderly and 50% of those in rehabilitation facilities are malnourished, and 86% are either malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Up to 67% of elderly in nursing homes are malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Of elderly living in the community, 38% are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.

There are many different causes of malnutrition and one often leads one to another; here are just a few examples.

• Physiological – denturesthat do notfit properly, loss of teeth, difficulty handlingutensils, decrease insense of smell andsense of taste, reduced secretion of saliva, leading to dry mouthand difficultyswallowing, decreased appetiteandthirst sensation, dementia, etc.
• Psychological -depression, anxiety abouthealth, future, finance,loss ofloved ones, loneliness, etc.
• Pharmacological – medicationsandfoodnutrientinteractions

As mentioned malnutrition is one of many homeostatic imbalances that can occur. It is important that we screen our older population for malnutrition so that it can be addressed sooner rather than later.