Medical Health Encyclopedia

Appetite - decreased

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Appetite - decreased

Definition:

This symptom describes a decreased or lack of appetite despite basic caloric needs.

Alternative Names:
Loss of appetite; Decreased appetite

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Considerations:

Any illness can adversely affect a previously hearty appetite. If the disease is treatable, the appetite should return when the disease is cured.

Loss of appetite can cause unintentional weight loss.

Common Causes:

• Emotional upset, nervousness, loneliness, boredom, tension, anxiety, bereavement, and depression
• Anorexia nervosa
• Acute and chronic infections
• HIV
• Pregnancy (first trimester)
• Cancer
• Hypothyroidism
• Medications and street drugs
  • Chemotherapeutic agents
  • Amphetamines
  • Sympathomimetics including ephedrine
  • Antibiotics
  • Cough and cold preparations
  • Codeine
  • Morphine
  • Demerol
  • Digitalis

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