Loss of appetite

definition

Loss of appetite or inappetence means that There is no desire to eat. If this for several days persists, one speaks of one anorexia.
Almost everyone knows the feeling of loss of appetite. If this only lasts for a short time, it is often a Signs of tension or an infection in the body. Serious illnesses can also lead to loss of appetite.

Various factors affect appetite. He is unlike the hunger one psychological signal and not a physical one. Lots Hormones and other messenger substances are responsible for the development of hunger and appetite in the brain. At the sight of delicious food or the smell of it, these signal the body the signal "appetite". As a result, our mouths water. Appetite can also exist when there is no physical need for food, i.e. no hunger.

causes

Many different causes can lead to loss of appetite. Often are lying mental problems or stress underlying. As part of a depression Loss of appetite often occurs. Also Migraines can lead to this.

Especially elderly often suffer from poor appetite. This is because the sensory impressions, such as taste and smell, decrease with age and thus the desire to eat disappears. Also the lonliness can lead to loss of appetite as a psychological stress factor. This can be dangerous if you don't make sure that you still eat enough food.

In addition, there are many physical causesassociated with loss of appetite. Gastrointestinal diseases are a common reason for this. An ordinary one Gastrointestinal infection or one Food poisoning are often the trigger. But also Inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis) or Stomach ulcers (Ulcer) of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to inappetence, just like chronic inflammatory diseases, for example Crohn's disease or Ulcerative colitis. If other organs in the abdomen are affected, it can also cause loss of appetite. These include diseases of the liver, kidneys, inflammation of the gallbladder or pancreas and appendicitis.

In addition to gastrointestinal diseases, however, many other diseases can also lead to loss of appetite. A gripal infect is often associated with a decrease in appetite, as general well-being is severely limited. At a Tonsillitis or other inflammations in the mouth and throat, the patient usually does not feel an appetite, as eating is associated with pain. Almost every infection of the body can, but does not have to, lead to loss of appetite. In children are predominantly Teething problems how measles, mumps, rubella or chickenpox the trigger.
Also the Heart failure and other diseases of the heart can be associated with loss of appetite.

Another complex of causes are the Metabolic disordersthat can cause loss of appetite. Diseases like Diabetes mellitus, Underactive pituitary or thyroid glands, or overactive parathyroid glands are possible causes. Food intolerance can also be the reason for a loss of appetite.

In addition, appetite can be too impaired by external influences be, for example through drug or Alcohol addiction or by taking regular medication. Chemotherapy, in particular, often reduces appetite.

Overall, it can be said that every disease, especially if it has a chronic course or is associated with chronic pain, can reduce appetite due to the severe psychological stress.
The loss of appetite goes with one high weight loss hand in hand, the person concerned also has Fever and night sweatsso this can be a Evidence of a malignant disease and a doctor should be consulted.

Loss of appetite can also occur during pregnancy. Here, however, it mainly affects certain foods or dishes.

Causes of the thyroid gland

The thyroid produces Hormoneswhich are essential to the Regulation of metabolic processes are responsible in the human body. They influence the supply of energy. If now one underactive thyroid (Hypothyroidism) is present, this regulatory mechanism no longer works properly and physical ones occur Symptoms of an underactive thyroidwhich are mainly found in Weakness and fatigue express. The heart rate and blood pressure are also lowered. Loss of appetite and freezing are also among the symptoms.

If persistent loss of appetite is associated with any of these symptoms, a Consulted a doctor and the function of the thyroid gland checked. An underactive thyroid can be caused by autoimmune diseases or iodine deficiency.
Acute inflammation of the thyroid gland can also show loss of appetite as a possible symptom.

Symptoms

The main symptom of chronic loss of appetite is the Weight loss. Also Vomit or the Disgust for certain foods can be added. The loss of appetite can itself be viewed as a symptom of various diseases, such as a symptom of a mental disorder or a symptom of a gastrointestinal disease.

Loss of appetite and fatigue

Loss of appetite can increase quickly general tiredness to lead. If the body does not get enough nutrients due to a lack of nutrition, one quickly feels exhausted and lacking in energy.

Often come Loss of appetite and fatigue as common symptoms various diseases. This is the case with almost all infections in the body, such as one a flu-like infection. The general well-being is reduced and the person concerned feels weak and has no appetite.

In addition, the two symptoms can also indicate an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

diagnosis

When a patient comes to the doctor with persistent loss of appetite, the first step in making a diagnosis is after one detailed conversation the physical examination. In addition to measuring temperature, blood pressure and heart rate, the internal organs are also examined. A EKG, one Ultrasound examination and a Blood test may be necessary to find out the cause. Also one Urine and a stool sample often provide information about it.

It is important to inform the doctor of any pre-existing illnesses, such as diabetes mellitus or heart disease, and to inform him about which medication is taken regularly.

Becomes no organic cause foundso the patient should be with one Psychologist or a psychotherapist imagine in order to recognize possibly existing psychologically conditioned causes.

therapy

Treatment for loss of appetite depends on the cause. If during the investigation a Gastrointestinal disease, a gripal infect or one organic cause to be found so must this treated and usually cause your appetite to return to normal. At a Food intolerance must be a permanent special diet are maintained and then the appetite should return.

In the case of external influences that are the cause of the inappetence, these should be avoided. Quit smoking and alcohol consumption or that Stopping certain medications should be considered. However, you should never stop taking the medication yourself. This must be discussed with the doctor.

As a rule, in the case of loss of appetite without an organic cause, the eating behavior should be normalized. It is important to yourself to take enough time to eat and at best several smaller meals to take in.

If this does not help, there are various medications that are supposed to stimulate the appetite. These often contain progestins. These are hormones that are supposed to stimulate the feeling of hunger. But some herbal remedies should also help to stimulate the appetite. These include the bark of the condurango tree, wormwood and angelica root. Prepared as teas, these should help restore normal eating habits.

Loss of appetite in the child

In children, the loss of appetite is often that first signs when an illness is looming. It is important here that one adequate fluid intake guaranteed is. Parents should watch out for other signs and see a pediatrician if they have any accompanying symptoms. If there is also a loss of weight, this should be reported to the pediatrician.

In children, the need for food is very much dependent on their energy consumption. If the child does not have the usual appetite one day, this may simply be due to little exercise or because they ate a lot of sweets between meals.

Another reason for loss of appetite can be stressful events be. Trouble in kindergarten or school or changes in everyday life often lead to the child refusing to eat. Also Changes in diet, for example switching from mashed foods to solid foods or switching to independent eating lead to a temporary loss of appetite. Teething is also a common cause of decreased appetite.

Thyroid disease can also lead to a loss of appetite in children. Here, fatigue and listlessness come as accompanying symptoms. A blood test by the doctor can confirm the diagnosis.

Loss of appetite in the baby

A temporary loss of appetite in babies usually harmless and can happen. As with adults, the appetite can sometimes be bigger and sometimes smaller. However, this condition holds during a longer time and the baby doesn't want to drink, they should Causes clarified become. A regular weight control is very important.

A common cause is that Teething in the baby. As this causes pain and dissatisfaction, the baby refuses to eat. Even if a Gastrointestinal infection the appetite is reduced. Likewise can psychological stress lead to a loss of appetite in the baby. Switching from summer to winter time, for example, can be a possible cause, as can a restless environment when breastfeeding. The mother should take care of one Atmosphere with enough peace and quietn and she should make sure that the refusal to feed is not due to an incorrect breastfeeding technique.
Also one decreased mother's milk production can be the reason why the baby does not like to drink and especially does not want to drink enough.

To ensure that the baby is drinking enough fluids despite the loss of appetite, the baby should be breast-hugged more often than usual. In addition, the regular spoonfuls of water or tea help to protect the child from a lack of fluids and to alleviate any symptoms caused by a gastrointestinal infection.