Sudden loss of appetite
causes and treatment
Sudden loss of appetite is a symptom of a number of health problems ranging from infection to more serious diseases, treatment depends mainly on proper diagnosis and knowledge of the underlying cause of this condition.
In the following report, the "Consulto" reviews the causes of sudden anorexia, and treatment options, according to the "Health Line".
If you have anorexia, you may also have related symptoms, such as weight loss or poor nutrition. These symptoms can be dangerous if left untreated, so it is important to find out and treat the cause of your low appetite.
What causes a sudden loss of appetite?
A number of cases can lead to sudden loss of appetite. In most cases, appetite will return to normal once the underlying condition or cause is treated. The most prominent reasons are:
bacteria and viruses
Anorexia can be caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or other infections anywhere, such as:
Upper respiratory infection.
- Pneumonia.
- Inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
- Colitis.
Skin infection.
- Meningitis.
psychological reasons
There are various psychological causes of anorexia, the most prominent of which are the following:
Many older adults lose their appetite, although experts aren't entirely sure why.
Appetite may also tend to decrease when feeling sad, stressed, or depressed.
Boredom and stress have been linked to a loss of appetite.
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, can lead to decreased appetite in general. A person with anorexia nervosa undergoes self-starvation or other methods of weight loss.
People with this condition are usually underweight and are afraid of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa can also cause malnutrition.
medical conditions
Suddenly decreased appetite may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as:
- Liver diseases.
- Kidney failure.
- heart attack.
- Liver Inflammation.
Hypothyroidism.
Cancer can also cause a loss of appetite, especially if the cancer is concentrated in the following areas:
- The colon.
- The stomach.
- Ovaries.
- The pancreas.
Pregnancy can also cause a loss of appetite during the first trimester.
pharmaceutical
Certain medications and drugs may reduce appetite. Some prescription medications that reduce appetite include:
Some antibiotics.
Codeine.
- Morphine.
Chemotherapy drugs.
Psychiatric medications.
How is anorexia treated?
Treatment for anorexia depends on the cause.
If the cause is a bacterial or viral infection, you will not usually need specific treatment for symptoms, as the appetite will return quickly once the infection is cleared.
To help deal with anorexia, focus on eating only one large meal per day with snacks in between.
Eating small, frequent meals can also be beneficial and these are usually easier on the stomach than large meals.
Light exercise may also help increase appetite.
To ensure you get enough nutrients from food, meals should be rich in calories and protein.
Liquid protein drinks may also be tried.
It can be helpful to keep a diary of what a person eats and drinks over a period of a few days to a week.
This will help the doctor assess nutritional intake and how low appetite is and determine the appropriate treatment.