loss of appetite

Most people have experienced a temporary loss of appetite at some time. This is rarely a worrisome symptom unless it lasts for more than a day or two.

 

A loss of appetite can be quite concerning when it fails to go away. It can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as depression or cancer. It also commonly occurs during a sudden illness, such as an infection. When a loss of appetite continues for a long time, a person is at risk for malnutrition.

 

The healthcare professional will need more information when a person mentions losing his or her appetite. For instance, he or she may ask:

 

There are many causes of a loss of appetite that continues for more than a few days, including: infections, such as pneumonia, hepatitis, HIV, influenza, or a kidney infection called pyelonephritis serious liver, kidney or heart disease. For instance, chronic renal failure, cirrhosis, or congestive heart failure can cause a loss of appetite. cancer of any kind, such as colon cancer, stomach cancer, or a blood cancer called leukemia blockage in the bowels, known as intestinal obstruction inflammation in the bowels or gut, such as occurs with pancreatitis, an inflammation in the pancreas, irritable bowel syndrome, or appendicitis endocrine problems, such as diabetes mellitus, or a condition that causes low thyroid hormone levels called hypothyroidism autoimmune disorders, conditions in which a person's immune system attacks his or her own body. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma. psychiatric conditions, such as depression, schizophrenia, or an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa medications or drugs, such as alcohol, narcotics, antibiotics, chemotherapy medications used to treat cancer, and a diabetes medication called metformin pregnancy dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, a condition that causes decreased memory and a decline in other brain functions

Prevention is related to the cause. For instance, avoiding drugs known to cause a loss of appetite can prevent cases due to drugs. Proper control of diabetes can prevent cases due to this cause. Many cases cannot be prevented.

In some cases, the diagnosis is obvious from the history and physical exam. In other cases, further tests will be needed, depending on the suspected cause. For instance, blood tests can help diagnose diabetes, hormone imbalances, and liver disease.