Vomit

What does the lack of appetite mean? When you lose your appetite

Appetite is a natural physiological process, which is just as necessary for the normal functioning of the human body as the daily consumption of food. Loss of appetite and all kinds of rejection of food, or an acute aversion to familiar dishes and foodstuffs, is a sign of a pathological condition of the digestive system caused by a number of specific diseases, the wrong way of life of a particular person, disorders of the endocrine gland or mental disorders. The most dangerous is when the lack of appetite is associated with rapid weight loss. In this case, it is not excluded that the patient may experience an acute form of anorexia.

In order to establish the causal factor that influenced the lack of desire to eat, it is necessary to understand that almost always behind such a pathological behavior of the gastrointestinal organs there is a serious disease of the human digestive system, or a short-term malfunction of the internal organs.

These are common causes that can cause loss of appetite in adults, regardless of their social status, physical activity or work conditions. Most often, these factors are present in the life of active segments of the population. These are young people whose age ranges from 20 to 45 years.

Separate categories of patients are also distinguished, in which the causes of loss of appetite are the specifics of the course of physiological processes in the body.

In the elderly

This is a separate category of patients who have no appetite due to the fact that, due to senile age, there was a natural slowdown in metabolism in almost all cells and tissues of internal organs. The digestive system is no exception and also responds with a slow metabolism. As a result of this, an elderly person may not feel the urge to eat for a long period of time, but at the same time, the total body weight is within stable limits and practically does not change.

Also, the occurrence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which were described in the section of common causative factors, is not excluded.

In both the first and second cases, you will need to undergo a comprehensive examination of the body in order to avoid the development of much more serious complications, since a stable and rational diet in old age is the key to longevity.

Lack of appetite during pregnancy

In women who carry a child under their hearts, the appearance of indifference to food is most often caused by temporary malfunctions in the endocrine system, a surge or decrease in key sex and digestive hormones. Against this background, toxicosis appears, a negative reaction not only to previously beloved foods, but also to various kinds of pungent odors. In most cases, this condition is observed in pregnant women at different periods of the first trimester of pregnancy and soon disappears without the use of special medications.

What to do if there is no appetite - how to increase?

In order to stabilize the digestive system, you can use special biological additives to maintain the functionality of the digestive tract, or if much more serious pathologies are found, the doctor prescribes drugs with a specific action.

vitamins

The selection of a vitamin-mineral complex is based on what kind of symptoms were identified in the patient according to the results of the initial examination. Also, the type of drug largely depends on the degree of activity of the patient's lifestyle, the presence or absence of bad habits. Most often, adults who complain of loss of appetite are prescribed vitamin remedies such as:

If necessary, the attending gastroenterologist may decide to prescribe a different type of vitamin preparation to the patient with an additional content of one, two or more useful substances. Most of the medicines in this group are taken orally 1 time per day, 1 capsule. The approximate course of treatment is 20-30 days.

Tablets and special preparations

Tablets and other medicines of a certain spectrum of action are prescribed to a patient who complains of loss of appetite only if, according to the results of a comprehensive examination, it was found that the cause of the pathological condition in the work of the digestive tract is caused by the presence of a specific disease.

If patients have oncological neoplasms that disrupt the stable functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, chemical preparations are used, which are prescribed based on a previously developed scheme of therapeutic effects on a cancerous tumor. Depending on the identified pathology, other categories of medicines can be used.

Do I need to see a doctor and get tested?

The sudden disappearance of appetite for a short period of time, lasting no longer than 1 day, is not always a sign of any disease. It is possible that these are biochemical changes that are caused by physical overwork, an improperly formed diet, the use of drugs or alcohol.

If such a condition continues for 2-3 days and at the same time an acute desire to eat food does not return to the person, then in this case it is necessary to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

This is a specialized doctor whose duties include the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the digestive system. The specialist will perform a preliminary examination of the patient, and then offer to pass the following types of tests:

clinical examination of blood taken from a finger;
biochemical study of the composition of venous blood;
general analysis of feces;
x-ray of organs located in the chest cavity;
electrocardiogram;
morning urine passed on an empty stomach;
gastroscopy of the stomach;
endoscopic examination of the intestine.

If necessary, the attending physician may decide to prescribe to the patient the passage of other or additional diagnostic methods in order to obtain even more comprehensive information about the patient's state of health and establish the true cause of the lack of appetite.

17.03.2016

Appetite and its absence are not always associated with some diseases, especially if it is not accompanied by any additional negative symptoms. And in vain: after all, excessive or insufficient appetite can be an indicator of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, and other pathologies.

Rare changes in appetite occur during periods of hormonal surges - mainly in women during periods before menstruation or during pregnancy. If the appetite disappeared suddenly and without objective reasons, and this condition continues for a long time, accompanied by a sharp weight loss, you should consult a doctor to rule out serious diseases: cancer, diabetes, and so on. Perhaps the lack of appetite is caused by neuropathological ailments or indigestion. dysbacteriosis. An accurate diagnosis will be made by the doctor, after conducting the necessary tests.

Poor appetite in a child can be caused by insufficient activity or lack of physical activity necessary for his age. If the child has always had a good appetite, which suddenly disappeared, there may be violations of the systems in the body.

So, the main serious reasons that there is no appetite:

diabetes - can be accompanied by both an increase and a decrease in the desire to eat, the same changes in appetite occur during pregnancy.
stomach cancer - characterized by selective appetite - certain foods are rejected, mainly meat, sometimes there is complete indifference to meals, anorexia.
gastritis - a chronic form of gastritis is marked by a lack of appetite due to a decrease in the activity of the pancreas.
sitophobia - occurs as a derivative of stomach diseases and is manifested by a conscious refusal of food, due to fear of pain after eating, for example, this condition is typical for patients with stomach ulcers.
other problems of the gastrointestinal tract - usually any problems with the stomach lead to a decrease in appetite in various formats.

Appetite

Let's see what appetite is and why it is not there during illness. Appetite is translated as "desire or desire." That is, we are talking about the pleasure brought to a person during the absorption of food. If we rely on the medical interpretation of the concept of "appetite", then doctors refer to it the physiological mechanisms that make people fill their nutritional needs.

Appetite is a concept associated with the work of special parts of the brain. They are called food centers, the most active of which are located in the cortex and hypothalamus. Thus. the desire to eat is formed in the head.

Why Appetite Occurs

The brain has a center responsible for food. There are signals about the amount of food consumed, the degree of its digestibility, the consumption of reserves by burning energy. A signal about the desire to eat - appetite - appears ahead of the natural depletion of resources, and even a change in the usual diet will lead to the appearance of alarming "beacons".

Causes affecting the presence of appetite

the rate of metabolic processes in the body;
the presence in the blood of substances necessary for existence;
water balance;
fat storage;

Appetite arises as a result of the contraction of the walls of the empty stomach. Appetite also increases when conditioned reflexes to taste and smell are triggered. Visual stimuli in the form of a clock, the hands of which are approaching lunch time.

Inhibition of appetite occurs during the period of eating, when the walls of the stomach stretch, nutrients enter the bloodstream, gradually changing the hormonal background. As a result, the brain receives a command about satiety. Satiety is felt no earlier than 15 minutes after the start of the meal. Therefore, in order to prevent overeating, you should spend at least 20 minutes at the table, chewing your food slowly and thoroughly.

Types of Appetite

willingness to eat any food - common;
selective appetite, reflecting the need for a particular group of substances - proteins, fats or carbohydrates;
psychological nature - "jamming" of a bad mood, resentment, etc.

Appetite starts the preparatory processes of digestion of food - the separation of saliva, the secretion of gastric juices, and if there is no appetite all the time, this indicates problems with the gastrointestinal tract or other body systems.

Sometimes there is no appetite due to psychological problems or mental disorders, the desire to eat can be affected by a brain tumor.

Appetite excites a change in the level of sugar, especially its sharp increase in the blood. If you eat a dozen sweets or drink half a liter of sweet soda, sugar can increase its content in the blood by 2-3 times, the body tries to quickly get rid of the excess, processing the latter into fat. At the same time, sugar again falls below normal, giving a signal to the food center about the need to eat to make up for the lack. So the hunger comes back.

Mental disorders affecting appetite

Mental dyslexia combines all types of appetite disorders - both its unmotivated increase and its absence.

Hypo- and anorexia - respectively, a decrease or complete absence of appetite.
Bulimia and hyperrexia - gluttony and a pathological increase in appetite
Parorexia - perverse changes in appetite.

Appetite disorders should not be confused with pseudo dyslexia. This is a state when a very hungry person eats literally with a wolf appetite, and an overeat at a banquet in the evening does not feel hungry in the morning.

Bulimia and complete lack of appetite

Gluttony or bulimia is a serious disease characterized by uncontrolled appetite. At the same time, a person is not able to stop eating even after absorbing the necessary norm of food. Daily uncontrolled eating of large amounts of food disrupts the work of all body systems, which, unable to cope with excess sugar, protein and fat, processes everything into reserves, as a result, the work of the excretory system and liver is overloaded. Overeating leads to obesity and diseases of the internal organs. The walls of the stomach stretch, demanding more and more food each time. This problem needs urgent treatment. This condition can be observed in a child, and in a teenager, and in an adult.

A complete lack of appetite or anorexia is mainly observed in people on a strict diet. This is more of a psychological "fad" - eat as little as possible or, in general, stop eating in order to become slimmer. The next step is taking diuretics and laxatives. Gradually, the body is depleted, the coordinated work of its organs is disrupted. It is necessary to get out of the state of such a “hunger strike” in a hospital, and after that a person will have a long psychological rehabilitation.

Often stress at work, loss of loved ones, divorce, serious illness of parents lead to ignoring food and lack of appetite. Quite often, people, on the contrary, "jam" problems or difficult life situations.

In the case of anorexia, with a pathological desire to lose weight as much as possible, its reverse side manifests itself in bulimia. The mechanism is as follows: unable to withstand long-term restrictions and refusal of food, breakdowns occur with overeating, after which patients induce vomiting and take laxatives, trying to remove products from the body before they are absorbed. Patients with anorexia-bulimia are difficult to cure, since most of them do not consider their own condition as a disease. Firstly, they do not gain excess kilograms, and secondly, trying to eat and get rid of food alone, they do not flaunt their habits.

Violations and changes in the habitual perception of food are an alarming symptom and require observation by a doctor. To help deal with poor appetite can:

gastroenterologist;
endocrinologist;
nutritionist;
psychotherapist.

Sometimes it is necessary to consult all four types of specialists for a comprehensive solution to the problem. The first thing to do is to make an appointment with your primary care physician. He, after the initial examination, will direct you to the necessary specialist.

Situations when a person notices that he is haunted by a constant feeling of hunger are not so rare. But far from always, he associates the causes of this condition with malfunctions in the body. The feeling of hunger is controlled by the nutrition center in the cerebral cortex. This center is connected with the organs of the digestive system through the endings of the nervous system. And if certain disturbances occur in the body, they can lead to the failure of the functioning of this system. What is the constant feeling of hunger connected with, and what should be done if a strong feeling of hunger does not disappear, will be discussed in this article.

What are the symptoms of constant hunger?

The desire to eat appears at the moment when the first impulses begin to come from the stomach. If a person is healthy, then the desire to eat does not appear in him earlier than a few hours after eating. First, the stomach is compressed by short spasms, which are repeated again after a break. When a certain period of time passes - usually about half an hour - the spasms become permanent, and the person perceives them more acutely. There is a feeling of "sucking in the pit of the stomach", in the stomach growls. More acute sensations that appear later, people describe something like this: "The stomach hurts, as if hungry."

Doctors note that hunger is more painfully perceived by people whose blood sugar is elevated. However, if hunger cramps appear almost immediately after eating, then only a specialist can determine the cause of this phenomenon, having carried out all the necessary research. After all, we can talk about both organic and psychological disorders.

However, in the modern world, people eat, depending on emotions, and not on the feeling of hunger. That is, the process of eating, rather, is determined by the desire to enjoy something tasty, and not to satisfy hunger. Therefore, many people rarely experience a natural feeling of hunger.

And if the natural desire to eat is felt a few hours after the meal, then the consequence of the failure of physiological processes is the desire to eat almost immediately after the person has eaten.

The feeling of hunger begins to disturb a person at the moment when a signal about a lack of energy supply comes from the stomach to the brain. This is a reaction that provides protection for the body from exhaustion.

If a person is healthy, then this chain of reactions is as follows:

the brain receives an impulse about the need to replenish the energy reserve;
the body receives the necessary amount of nutrition;
the next impulse enters the brain, signaling that saturation has occurred;
after eating, the feeling of hunger disappears.

But provided that you want to eat all the time, we are talking about the fact that one of the links in this chain breaks. And if you do not determine in a timely manner why the hunger does not go away, and do not carry out the correct treatment, then the patient's well-being will worsen. Plus, he's threatened.

There are many conditions in which a person is constantly painfully hungry:

Hyperrexia - in this state, you want to eat constantly, eating, a person cannot get enough, but the body does not feel a physiological need to replenish the supply of nutrients.
- hunger worries due to too active production of the enzyme by the thyroid gland.
A number of diseases of the stomach - with, with gastritis with high acidity.
Too much mental stress.
Hormonal imbalance.
The development of psychological dependence.
Increased physical activity, due to which a person loses a lot of energy.
Noticeable dietary restrictions.
Protracted, constant stress.
Violations of the monthly cycle.
Strong thirst.
Improper catering.

Conditions in which you constantly want to eat

With pathologies of the central nervous system, almost constant irritation of the center of hunger can occur. In this case, an integrated approach to treatment is necessary, and it should be carried out by a qualified specialist.
With violations in the functioning of the endocrine system, the feeling of hunger is associated with hormonal imbalance. The hormone - the so-called satiety hormone - in optimal quantities ensures a normal effect on the energy, metabolic and neuroendocrine reactions of the body. With its excessive or insufficient production, disturbances occur, leading to a constant feeling of hunger and other unpleasant symptoms.
A lack of certain vitamins can also provoke an uncontrollable desire to eat. Deficiency of a number of vitamins, especially those related to group B , leads to a deterioration in the condition of the skin, nails, hair, and also leads to an increase. When there is a desire to replenish the supply of nutrients, so the person wants to eat.
An indomitable appetite often manifests itself in those who adhere. Simple carbohydrates are the main food for the brain. As a result, their absence leads to a deficiency in the nutrition of the brain, which affects the body as a whole. The brain constantly requires replenishment of such a deficit, and in the course of a carbohydrate-free diet, losing weight feels intense hunger and cravings for sweets.
Increased appetite may be associated with a fall glucose in the blood, which occurs in connection with a number of physiological or psychological problems. If the imbalance of glucose and insulin is noted for a long time, this can lead to the development of diabetes. And the constant desire to eat something leads in such a situation to the development of obesity, which is also a harbinger of diabetes.
Sudden changes in the diet, associated with the transition to a diet, healthy eating, etc., cause a restructuring of the digestive system, which, in turn, can cause a feeling of hunger.
This also happens with tangible restrictions on the amount of food. It is quite natural that, without getting enough food, a person feels hungry. In such a situation, it is recommended to eat as often as possible and little by little.
If a person is regularly under stress, this can also lead to a strong desire to eat a lot. When the nervous system is excited, there may be a desire to "seize" stress. If you constantly follow it, persistent “stress-eating” connections may arise, which will subsequently require the help of a psychologist.
Attacks of unreasonable appetite are also manifested with increased mental stress. People engaged in hard mental work very often eat chaotically, absolutely not adhering to the regimen. Instead of full meals, they practice snacking. As a result, this leads to the desire to eat within minutes after the next snack. To break the vicious circle, you will have to establish a clear diet with four full meals and no snacking on harmful foods. If you want something to kill hunger, fruits or dried fruits are suitable.
Often adhering to a variety of diets, a person “sets up” the body for a regime of lack of food. But the body constantly requires replenishment of reserves, and, as a result, losing weight is worried about the constant desire to eat. To avoid this, it is necessary to practice a complete healthy diet, and not short-term diets.
With a lack of certain substances in the body, the feeling of hunger can also manifest itself almost constantly. We are talking about vitamins and trace elements. For example, you may crave sweets because of a magnesium deficiency. In this case, you need to conduct medical research and adjust the diet so as to make up for the lack of substances.
In women, attacks of indomitable appetite may appear during the period. A couple of days before the onset of menstruation, many women have an irresistible desire to eat something and does not disappear even after the woman has had a bite. This symptom is associated with a lack of a hormone in the body. These days it is recommended to eat less muffins and sweets. It is also important to drink plenty of water, eat fruits and vegetables.

Pregnancy and hunger

During the period, a global restructuring of the female body takes place. At the same time, very sharp changes in the hormonal background occur, as a result of which many expectant mothers feel an indomitable appetite.

However, the expectant mother should know that an increased appetite can signal a lack of vitamins, calcium, magnesium iron, etc. in her body. Therefore, it is very important to take care of the most balanced diet - with enough vegetables and fruits. You also need to take vitamin complexes. Walking in the fresh air will also help. If a pregnant woman constantly wants to eat, this will lead to excessive food intake and a set of extra pounds. And exceeding the norm of weight gain is unsafe for both mother and baby.

Nausea and increased appetite

If the desire to eat is accompanied by constant nausea, this may be due to various diseases. This often indicates hypoglycemia when plasma glucose levels are very low. The body tries to make up for this deficiency with food, especially sweets. This condition needs to be treated.

However, these symptoms can be evidence of other diseases. Therefore, such symptoms should be the reason for going to the doctor.

With gastritis

The desire to eat can provoke increased acidity with hyperacid gastritis . People with this diagnosis often experience sucking pains "in the pit of the stomach." They subside when a person eats at least a little. Similar symptoms can also be evidence of other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is important to clarify the diagnosis before proceeding with treatment.

Constant hunger in a child

If some babies are very difficult to feed, then it also happens that the child asks for food almost constantly. If the child does not enter the saturation phase, this may indicate violations in the digestive tract, a failure of metabolic processes. In a baby who eats a lot, the stomach can grow very rapidly. In this case, each time he will need an increasing amount of food to saturate. Therefore, in this case, parents should definitely consult with a specialist as soon as possible.

Having determined the cause of such disorders, the doctor will prescribe treatment and the right diet. But parents themselves in this case should follow the advice of a specialist. First of all, the child should eat 4 times a day, without snacks in between. If you can’t do without them, you need to give the baby vegetables and fruits. The child should lead an active life, walk a lot in the fresh air. Finally, the most relevant advice sounds like this: parents themselves should eat right, move a lot, showing the child an example.

Which doctor should I contact?

If hunger bothers you almost constantly, it is either a physiological or psychological problem. Accordingly, you need to contact either a gastroenterologist, or a psychiatrist or psychologist. You may also need to consult an endocrinologist. Perhaps a nutritionist can help solve the problem.

But first of all, you need to contact your local doctor, who will help determine which narrow specialist you should contact next.

If the patient is not diagnosed with serious pathologies, the nutritionist can give him the following advice:

Include more foods rich in fiber in your diet.
Try to drink mineral or plain water during bouts of hunger to satisfy your appetite.
Chew food thoroughly and very slowly. In the process of eating slowly, the stomach will have time to signal to the brain that it has already had enough.
You need to eat not in front of a computer or TV, but in adapted places.
During the diet, you should not limit the body too much.
After saturation, you need to get up from the table so as not to overeat later.
Remove from the menu products that stimulate appetite - spicy, salty, alcohol, etc.
Do not leave tasty treats within reach so that in the course of work there is no desire to have a snack.
Try to keep yourself busy with interesting and exciting things to forget about food. Between meals, the interval should be about four hours.

Lack of feeling of hunger

However, the opposite situation is often observed - a person has a lack of appetite, which also indicates disorders in the body. If there is no desire to eat even after a long break between meals, problems with different systems and organs are quite likely. Why a healthy feeling of hunger has disappeared, you need to find out by visiting a doctor.

Despite the fact that many people at first consider a decrease in appetite almost a gift from above, as it helps to lose weight, such a symptom should not be ignored. If the body does not receive vitamins, minerals and other useful substances for a long time, this will soon have a detrimental effect on well-being. Complaints like: “I don’t feel hungry” should initially be expressed to the therapist, who will refer you to narrower specialists.

Dysrexia is a general term for appetite disorders. One of the most common appetite disorders is anorexia - a condition in which appetite is completely absent.

Why no appetite?

There are many reasons for this phenomenon. It can be either a consequence of stress or a depressive state, or a hormonal disorder.

Sometimes short-term disturbances of appetite are easily eliminated. It is enough to drink tea with mint, lemon balm, chamomile to calm down or a collection of herbs that stimulates the appetite.

However, loss of appetite accompanies many diseases. Among them are thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, oncological processes, diseases of the digestive system, liver, kidneys, heart, etc.

For many expectant mothers, appetite worsens already in the first trimester of pregnancy, when it begins. In this state, a woman needs to listen to her body and eat what she wants. Loss of appetite due to iron deficiency folic acid . Therefore, it is desirable to replenish the supply of these substances by eating cabbage, buckwheat, green leafy vegetables.

If there is no appetite immediately before the main meal, this may be due to the fact that the person simply does not eat properly. Perhaps snacking on high-calorie foods simply discourages the desire to eat.

Also, poor appetite may be due to a lack of B vitamins and zinc. In such a situation, you should drink a multivitamin complex and consume more products containing such elements.

conclusions

Appetite disorders cannot be taken as a normal state of the body, especially if this continues for a long time. The causes of this condition can be very different, and only a good specialist can determine why the appetite disappears or, conversely, severe hunger worries. In this case, you should not self-medicate, because only a doctor will help to establish a diagnosis and eliminate the problem.

Decrease or lack of appetite (anorexia) is a common symptom characteristic of infectious, oncological, mental, endocrine pathologies and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Reasons for lack of appetite

Appetite - the need to eat, gradually turning into a feeling of hunger. Despite the banality of this definition, behind it lies the most complex mechanism responsible for the regulation of the energy balance in the human body. It includes several levels: the nuclei of the hypothalamus, the brain stem, the pleasure center, which send and receive signals through biologically active substances. The source of the latter can be adipose tissue, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine glands. They produce hormones that regulate appetite.

Thus, a decrease in the blood level of insulin, a hormone of the pancreas, leads to an increase in appetite (the phenomenon of an insulin crisis). Leptin is a hormone produced in adipose tissue. High concentrations of leptin in the blood lead to an increase in body weight due to fat. During starvation, the level of leptin in the blood plasma decreases, while there is a mobilization of fat and its splitting, a feeling of hunger appears.

Another hormone, ghrelin, which is produced in the lining of the stomach and intestines of a hungry person, tells the central nervous system that the gastrointestinal tract is ready to eat. The higher its level in the blood, the more you want to eat. Immediately after a meal, its plasma concentration begins to decline, reflecting the intake of nutrients.

There are many similar hormones and hormone-like substances involved in the regulation of food requirements. The presence of diseases that can disrupt these connections is a potential cause of loss of appetite. The most striking example of such a pathology is anorexia in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Victims of anorexia refuse to eat until the body is completely exhausted. Studies aimed at studying the causes of this disease have revealed that with anorexia, almost all parts of the mechanism that regulates appetite are affected. That is why anorexia nervosa is difficult to treat.

There are other types of eating disorders that are also associated with dysregulation of appetite (bulimia, psychogenic overeating, psychogenic vomiting).

Predisposing factors for poor appetite

Appetite is also affected by other factors associated or unrelated to any disease:

Taking medications;
Psychological problems, severe stress (loss of appetite with depression);
Medical procedures and manipulations;
The situation when eating;
Certain physiological conditions (loss of appetite during pregnancy);
The quality and appearance of food (food can be disgusting if there are negative associations);
Alcohol abuse, drug addiction.

Diagnosis of Appetite Disorders

The identification and evaluation of loss of appetite is hampered by the fact that there are no specific criteria that allow us to consider the need for food intake as an unambiguous sign of disorders. Individual characteristics vary significantly from person to person and depend on gender, age, profession, sports, bad habits and hormonal status. For example, older people cope with hunger more easily and maintain a sense of satiety for longer. Individuals who exercise intensively or moderately are more likely to feel hungry/unsatisfied with food intake. When diagnosing, these differences must be taken into account.

Patients themselves may not complain that they have lost their appetite, especially if the cause lies in depression / the consequences of severe stress / psychological problems. In such cases, close relatives pay attention to reducing food intake. Questionnaires or questionnaires are widely used for an objective assessment of appetite.

Pronounced symptoms of the underlying disease, such as fever, pain, diarrhea, in themselves imply the absence of the need to eat. In such cases, the diagnosis of appetite disorders is usually not required, since a bright clinic will not allow one or another serious disease to be missed.

Another thing is pathologies in which lack of appetite is the only symptom. Incorrect assessment can lead to late diagnosis and complications. An example is the notorious anorexia nervosa. In most cases, pathology is detected by relatives and friends already in the presence of pronounced changes, when body weight is significantly reduced.

Common diseases accompanied by lack of appetite (pathology + code in accordance with the international classification of diseases ICD-10):

Anorexia nervosa F50;
Depression F30;
Anxiety disorders F40;
Acute stress disorder F43.0;
Bipolar disorder F31;
Dependence on drugs F10;
Deficiency of thyroid hormones E03.9;
Tuberculosis A15;
Infectious mononucleosis B27;
Brucellosis A23;
Viral hepatitis B15, B16, B17;
HIV infection B23.0, acquired immune deficiency syndrome or AIDS B24;
Gastric cancer C16;
Lung cancer C33;
Liver cancer C22;
Pancreatic cancer C25;
Hodgkin's lymphoma C81;
Iron deficiency anemia D50.9;
Gastric ulcer K25;
Duodenal ulcer K26;
Gallstone disease K80.

The minimum necessary examination for a pathological decrease in the need for food:

General blood test with leukoformula;
General blood analysis;
Blood chemistry;
Analysis of feces;
Analysis of urine;
chest X-ray;
electrocardiography;
Therapist's consultation.

Warning signs associated with lack of appetite

loss of appetite during pregnancy

Dizziness, nausea and vomiting in pregnant women in the first trimester is often accompanied by a lack of appetite. In most women, these symptoms are mild or moderate. However, in severe cases, with frequent vomiting that makes it impossible to eat, serious complications can occur that threaten the health of the mother and child. Loss of more than 5% of the mass due to dehydration, violation of the water-salt and electrolyte balance in pregnant women can lead to pulmonary embolism, acute renal failure, impaired blood coagulation with the risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation. In such cases, immediate hospitalization in the department of pathology of pregnant women, consultation of an obstetrician-gynecologist is required.

Loss of appetite in a child aged 0 to 3 years

Newborns and infants, as well as children of preschool age, have a good appetite due to their intensive metabolism. For this reason, lack of appetite should be regarded as a significant symptom, regardless of age.

Lack of appetite or refusal to breastfeed in newborns can be due to various reasons - from banal intestinal colic to a serious illness. If there are additional symptoms, such as drowsiness, lethargy, cyanosis of the skin, convulsions, high fever, urgent medical attention should be sought.

Loss of appetite in an adult

The lack of need for food intake, combined with a sharp unreasonable decrease in body weight, is an alarming sign. The cause may be serious diseases, such as tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, HIV infection, tuberculosis, cirrhosis of the liver. In the presence of additional symptoms, such as insomnia, mood swings, irritability, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal thoughts should be suspected.

Loss of appetite in the elderly

In the elderly and senile age, the need for food intake is significantly reduced due to a decrease in the intensity of metabolism. Despite this, there is no weight loss. For this reason, an abnormal decrease in food requirements in elderly people with weight loss is also a sign of pathology.

Sometimes it happens that the appetite disappears, and the sight of food provokes disgust and nausea. These symptoms are a signal that the body needs help. Lack of appetite, nausea can be triggered by overeating or chronic fatigue, as well as serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Such manifestations can also occur on a nervous basis. It is important to understand what caused the pathology and how to eliminate it.

Causes of symptoms

Through food, the body is saturated with energy, the protective functions are strengthened, new cells are produced, enzymes and hormones are formed.

Normal appetite is a signal from the body that it needs to replenish nutrients. When hunger appears, the concentration of glucose decreases, and if appetite does not appear, there is a violation of the nutritional balance, and a deficiency of elements.

With a deficiency of vital substances: proteins, microelements, vitamins, there is a violation of the work of the human body.

Loss of appetite and nausea indicate a suspension of nutrient absorption. If the symptoms do not disappear within a day, you should contact your general practitioner, who, if necessary, will refer you to a gastroenterologist.

If the lack of appetite, nausea accompanies a person for a long time, this may be a signal of anorexia. This disease, in the absence of therapy, is fraught with muscle atrophy and disruption of the whole organism.

Non-pathological

Conventionally, the causes are divided into two broad groups: pathological and non-pathological.

If the manifestations last no more than four days, disappear on their own, rarely occur, are not accompanied by a sharp weight loss, vomiting, change in stool, loss of consciousness, this indicates non-pathological causes:

Chronic fatigue. A busy work schedule, insufficient sleep, rest - all this is accompanied by a breakdown, fatigue. The lack of proper rest affects the central nervous system, the brain. He gives the wrong commands to the body, as a result, appetite disappears, malaise, nausea appear.
Prolonged fasting. The constant struggle with excess weight, eating food in minimal quantities, cutting back on the diet, refusing to eat animal products can provoke the onset of the disorder. When food does not enter the stomach for a long time, the accumulated bile irritates the mucous membrane, which leads to a feeling of nausea. Refusal to eat is accompanied by a decrease in efficiency, weakness.
Binge eating. It often happens that during the day there is no opportunity to eat, and in the evening it is quite difficult to keep hunger under control. A late hearty meal leads to a deterioration in well-being. Vomiting, headache, general malaise may be added to nausea.
Pre and post menstrual syndrome, menstruation. Sudden fluctuations in the level of female hormones provoke malaise.

In addition, appetite may disappear, as well as nausea may appear against the background of:

stress;
regime violations;
unbalanced nutrition;
overwork;
inappropriate use of medications;
smoking, alcohol abuse.

Pathological

Sometimes a complex of symptoms signals a serious malfunction in the body. The doctor can identify the exact cause, conduct an examination and prescribe treatment. If nausea, loss of appetite, due to non-pathological causes, after the correction of lifestyle, diet or good rest passes on its own, then it will not be so easy to get rid of the malaise that appeared against the background of the disease. You will need medical attention and comprehensive treatment.

Nausea and lack of appetite can cause:

Diseases of an infectious or viral nature. Usually, when you are sick, you do not want to eat. With the active production of leukocyte cells, the body directs forces precisely to this process, so that a person can get rid of unpleasant symptoms as soon as possible. Decrease in appetite is a justified measure. Due to the excessive concentration of toxic substances, malaise and nausea appear, which can only be eliminated by maintaining a normal water balance.
Chemotherapy of oncological diseases. Due to such treatment, failures occur in all systems, including in the gastrointestinal tract. Appetite worsens, fatigue, malaise, nausea, urge to vomit appear.
Pathologies of the cardiovascular system. People with hypertension often experience similar symptoms.
Intoxication. Active reproduction of pathogens often causes nausea, loss of appetite.
Mental disorders, depression. Such states are characterized by indifference to everything, malaise, loss of appetite.
Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroduodenitis.
Dysbacteriosis. Pathology is characterized by an imbalance of the microflora involved in digestion. Slow food processing, deterioration of well-being is due to the restriction of nutrient intake.
Diseases of the endocrine system. Due to insufficient production of hormones, deterioration in well-being and malaise is possible.
Diabetes. With the disease, metabolic processes and the absorption of glucose are disturbed. Because of this, nausea and loss of appetite may occur.
Neurosis. Mental disorders characterized by excessive irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, malaise.
Anorexia. Serious mental illness, life threatening. Prolonged refusal to eat leads to disgust, nausea.

Do not delay the treatment of the disease. The scheme of therapy, the duration of the course, the medication is selected by the doctor depending on the disease, its severity, and the age of the patient.

When to see a doctor

People rarely seek help from a doctor when their health worsens. Many prefer to get rid of the disorder on their own.

It's one thing if the malaise arose against the background of overeating and the condition quickly returns to normal without medication. Another thing is when the pathology is caused by disturbances in the functioning of the body. In this case, you can not do without the help of a doctor and treatment.

Situations requiring professional help:

when the pathological condition does not go away for five or more days;
if after waking up nausea increases, vomits;
with the appearance of additional symptoms: pain in the chest, back, pre-syncope, loss of consciousness;
when vomiting blood.

What to do if there is no appetite

Treatment for the pathology will vary depending on the cause. If the malaise arose due to lack of sleep, fatigue, rest is enough to normalize well-being. If an unpleasant condition is caused by a disease, you must consult a doctor and undergo treatment.

Consider how you can normalize appetite, get rid of nausea on your own.

During pregnancy, you should make adjustments to your diet. Do not overeat, eat more food of plant origin, exclude fatty, smoked, spicy foods.
Cancel medications, replace with an analogue, if you feel that you begin to feel sick after taking them.
If the cause of the indisposition is a disease of a viral or infectious nature, in addition to taking prescribed medications, it is necessary to maintain water balance, drink more.
Chamomile, nettle infusion, cranberry juice will improve the condition with PMS.
The reception of Pancreasim, Mezim, Pancreatin will help in eliminating the ailment.

Elimination of nausea, normalization of appetite contributes to:

rejection of semi-finished products, fast food;
eating small meals, often;
drink at least 2.5 liters of water, non-carbonated mineral water per day;
cessation of smoking, alcohol.

Diet correction

citrus;
apples;
carrots in Korean;
pickled vegetables;
ginger;
salty cheeses;
fresh tomatoes;
sauerkraut.