Appetite loss

Everyone now and then experiences a temporary loss of

appetite. Stress, anxiety, fear, excitement, and emotional
conflicts are among the many factors that can depress a
person's appetite. Almost any illness, ranging from the
common cold to cancer and other potentially fatal diseases,
can cause loss of appetite, as can smoking, alcohol, and many
medications. The appetite usually returns when the illness
abates, but persistent loss of appetite can be a warning sign of
a serious underlying disease.

Aids
Amebiasis
Anemias
Cancer
Canker sores
Celiac disease
Chemotherapy
Cirrhosis
Dental cavities
Depression
Diarrhea
Esophagus cancer
Fatty liver disease
Gallbladder/bile cancer
Gallstones
Gastritis
Giardiasis
Gum inflammation
Heartburn
Infectious hepatitis
Indigestion
Intestinal disorders
Intestinal parasites
Leukemia
Liver cancer
Loss of smell
Loss of taste
Malabsorption
Mononucleosis
Mouth cancer
Mouth sores
Pancreatic cancer
Peptic ulcers
Periodontal disease
Pinworms
Pharynx cancer
Radiation therapy
Salivary-gland disorder
Spotted tongue
Stomach ulcers
Tapeworm
Threadworm
Thrush
Tongue sores/coating
Trench mouth
Tropical sprue

Causes of appetite loss

AIDS
AIDS can affect virtually every organ system, producing a
wide variety of symptoms. Loss of appetite and wasting, often
accompanied by chronic fever, severe gastrointestinal upset,
and unremitting diarrhea, are among the most common
symptoms.
Anemia
There are many kinds of anemia, but all are characterized by
reduced or abnormal hemoglobin, the blood component that
carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Fatigue, loss of
appetite, and shortness of breath are among the more

Return to Symptoms

common symptoms.
Cancer
Almost all advanced cancers result in loss of appetite and
wasting. In some, however, loss of appetite may be one of the
early warning symptoms. For example, leukemia and cancers
of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder can cause loss of
appetite in their early stages. Some cancers, such as those of
the mouth, throat, and esophagus, either alter taste or cause
difficulty in eating. And many cancer treatments, especially
radiation and chemotherapy, interfere with appetite or the
ability to eat.
Depression
A change in appetite is a common sign of depression. Some
people experience increased appetite, but more often, the
change is a loss of appetite. Other symptoms may include
unexplained fatigue, sadness, sleep problems, disinterest in
sex, and an inability to function.
Intestinal disorders
Almost any intestinal disorder can produce a loss of appetite.
Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms all can
play havoc with normal appetite. Appetite usually returns with
an easing of these other symptoms, but in cases of a chronic
disease, such as chronic gastritis, the inability to eat may lead
to significant weight loss.
Intestinal parasites
Intestinal parasites are not as common in the United States as
in the tropics and underdeveloped countries. But people who
travel to these areas, as well as those who live in areas
lacking good sanitation, are susceptible to picking up intestinal
parasites. Children who frequently put unwashed hands and
objects in their mouths may contract pinworms and other
parasitic infections. Symptoms vary depending upon the
parasite, but may include poor appetite, abdominal pain, rectal
itching, and loss of weight.
Liver disorders
The liver is involved in almost all of the body's metabolic and
chemical processes. Thus, most liver diseases produce a loss
of appetite. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling,
and jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and the white portions of
the eye.
Malabsorption syndromes
Inability to properly absorb food can cause loss of appetite as
well as loss of weight nutritional deficiencies, abdominal pain,
diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Sometimes the problem is caused
by an inability to absorb a particular food or nutrient. Celiac
disease, in which a person cannot tolerate a protein in wheat
and certain other grains, is a common example. Intestinal
damage from an infection, such as the damage that occurs in

tropical sprue, also can cause nutrient malabsorption.

Mononucleosis
This infectious disease is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and
is particularly common among adolescents and young adults.
In addition to loss of appetite, symptoms include fever,
fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
Mouth disorders
Anything that interferes with a person's ability to chew or
swallow food can affect appetite. Even something as minor as
a canker sore can interfere with eating. Chronic gum
problems, a sore tongue, or reduced flow of saliva also can
cause a loss of appetite.
Taste loss
Appetite, in large part, depends upon taste and the ability to
smell food. Anything that interferes with these sensory
functions can produce a loss of appetite. For example, taste
naturally diminishes with age, explaining why many older
people complain of a loss of appetite.

Advice about loss of appetite

It is normal to be less hungry when a person is not

feeling well. Do not try to force down foods. Instead,
drink plenty of fluids, especially fruit juices.

Sometimes a finicky appetite can be tempted by small,

attractive portions of favorite foods. Don't overwhelm
the sick person with a full plate.

Many drugs alter taste or cause loss of appetite. If

foods taste strange or there is a loss of appetite after
starting a drug, ask the doctor if it might be the culprit.

This article was last reviewed October 16,2005 by Dr. James Krider.