Medical Health Encyclopedia

Appetite - decreased

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y

Overview Treatment

Appetite - decreased

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:
Loss of appetite; Decreased appetite

Text Continues Below

---

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

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.