“I haven’t eaten anything for several days”: why I lost my appetite and why it’s dangerous. Consequences of long-term lack of appetite. Video - What to do if you have no appetite

Viral infection is considered one of the most common diseases. A symptom of this disease may be loss of appetite. Starting with a runny nose and cough, ARVI can develop into more complex shape. Heat also indicates the development of infection.

Anorexia

This nervous disease which is accompanied by loss of appetite. Conscious refusal to eat occurs due to psychological problems. More often than not, young girls and teenagers who are striving for fashion trends. In such people the desire turns into obsession. Being thin becomes unhealthy. Treatment consists of physical and psychological recovery.

Intoxication

Often, food poisoning can become a serious problem. Fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea are symptoms of intoxication. Poisoning usually occurs due to spoiled food.

Atherosclerosis

This is a disease accompanied by loss of appetite, increased blood pressure, headaches, kidney failure. The cause of the disease is the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries and blood vessels. They form plaques that interfere with the harmonious functioning of the body. These plaques bind to tissues, extending the health effects.

Sinusitis

This disease usually develops against a background of bacterial or viral infection. It consists of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and is accompanied by redness of the eyes, severe runny nose, cough, loss of appetite.

Salmonellosis

This disease develops due to the entry of bacteria with the corresponding name into the body. The wearer feels pain in the abdomen and joints. He suffers from vomiting and dizziness. Loss of appetite is often a symptom.

Laryngeal cancer

This dangerous disease it's hard. It combines physical weakness With sharp pain in the throat area. Loss of appetite is secondary manifestation diseases. The patient's condition is deteriorating every day in the absence of proper treatment.

Crohn's disease

This is one of the most difficult diseases of our time. It is expressed as inflammatory process, which is very acute. The main organs affected are digestive system And intestinal tract. The intestines may stop functioning completely. Side symptoms include loss of appetite, systematic migraines, aching joints and spine.

Normal well-being and health of a person depends on many factors, including the full and proper nutrition. However, in the absence of appetite, even delicious food It seems like nothing and doesn’t go down my throat. In this case, the total caloric content of the diet decreases by an order of magnitude, as a result of which the body begins to consume reserve energy reserves. As a result, a person loses body weight, and this phenomenon can reach catastrophic proportions. Let's talk about what can cause loss of appetite, discuss the causes of such a disorder, its treatment and answer the question of what to do if you lose appetite.

Causes of loss of appetite

Loss of appetite can be caused by a variety of disorders, and only a doctor can accurately determine them. Similar symptom may be due to serious health problems: chronic diseases liver, chronic and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Appetite may disappear with and, with HIV, hepatitis and asthma. This kind of problem sometimes occurs when anxiety disorders And . Patients suffering from loss of appetite suffer from thalassemia, etc. This problem is often observed with hypervitaminosis D and during pregnancy. It can be triggered by some medications, represented by antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, codeine and morphine, as well as drugs, including amphetamines, cocaine and heroin. Appetite may disappear after many oncological diseases. A general decline loss of appetite occurs in almost all diseases.

Loss of appetite - what to do?

If you have lost your appetite and are not thinking about returning, you should seek doctor’s help. It is extremely important to be wary if such a nuisance is accompanied by a parallel decrease in body weight. You may need to consult a therapist, gastroenterologist, or endocrinologist. Sometimes successful correction is impossible without the help of a psychologist and a specialist in the field of psychosomatics.

It is necessary to go through a series diagnostic studies. They usually include a general analysis of blood, urine, and stool. In addition, the patient is indicated for an electrocardiogram, ultrasound of the peritoneal organs, gastroscopy and colonoscopy.

Loss of appetite - treatment with medications

In the event that appetite disappears due to infectious diseases, the patient is only shown adequate treatment underlying disease. After recovery, your appetite will return on its own. Patients may be prescribed antibiotics antiviral drugs, immunostimulants, etc.

If a symptom is caused by pregnancy, there is no need to correct it. Appetite can recover on its own naturally closer to the second trimester of pregnancy.

If a patient experiences nausea, various medications are used to relieve it, for example, Ondansetron or Promethazine.

Patients with dementia are often advised to take high-calorie foods nutritional mixtures, and sometimes nutrition is given artificially through a special tube.

In some cases, for example, with appendicitis, treatment of lack of appetite is possible only with the help of surgical correction. Also without surgical intervention cannot be avoided in the case of tumor formations (both benign and malignant). Cancer also requires chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

In the event that the loss of appetite is explained by a decrease in hormone production thyroid gland, the patient needs to take special hormone replacement drugs.

IN certain cases Patients with appetite disorders are advised to take medications that have a positive effect on the desire to consume food. Such drugs are often aimed at producing gastric juice, as well as salivation, they may contain ketotifen.

How plants normalize loss of appetite ( traditional treatment folk remedies)?

When losing appetite, doctors often advise their patients to take medications traditional medicine. So, taking a medicine based on . has a good effect. Brew thirty grams of crushed raw materials with a liter of boiling water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cool and strain. Take half a glass immediately before meals.

To activate your appetite, you can also turn your attention to. Combine a teaspoon of crushed raw materials with a glass or. Infuse this medicine for six hours, then strain. Take a teaspoon before meals.

You can also grind one and combine it with half a liter of vodka. Infuse this medicine for eight days. Take thirty-five drops, dissolving them in two tablespoons of water. Take immediately before meals.

Positive effect gives medication based on . Brew a tablespoon of raw materials with a glass of just boiled water. Leave for half an hour, then boil in a water bath for another quarter of an hour. After two hours of infusion, strain the resulting medicine.

Take the infusion a couple of tablespoons three or four times a day, about half an hour before meals.

If you are experiencing loss of appetite, do not ignore this symptom.

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A good appetite is a sign good health person. However, due to certain factors, a decrease may be observed. If you lose your appetite, then this is a signal that our body is not working as usual. The processes of restoration of strength occur more slowly, weakness and increased fatigue occur.

Causes of lack of appetite

Refusal to eat may have such root causes. Often a person has no appetite with such serious illnesses like cirrhosis of the liver, renal failure, diseases of the heart muscle and blood vessels, malignant neoplasms, diabetes. You can also add to this list various disorders at work endocrine system. Stress, depressive state and other nervous disorders negatively affect appetite. Experts note that taking certain medications (antibiotics, anesthetics) and chemotherapy can disrupt the established diet. Lack of appetite is also possible due to excessive consumption of sweets and soda. During pregnancy, the desire to eat also often disappears. And of course, any infectious diseases, flu lead to a temporary decrease in appetite. In general, there are a huge number of reasons for this condition. And in some situations, determine the factor that provoked poor appetite, and completely impossible.

Research on eating disorders

If such disorders lead to weight loss and feeling unwell, then consultation with a specialist is necessary. As a rule, the doctor recommends taking biochemical analysis blood. An HIV test may also be needed. In order to exclude serious illnesses, diagnose the liver, organs of the digestive system (using ultrasound or x-ray). One cannot do without studying the functioning of the endocrine system. If a woman has lost her appetite, the doctor may suggest a pregnancy test.

Why is this condition dangerous?

You should not be dismissive of the fact that a person has a lack of appetite. If this state continues for quite a long time, this is fraught with serious consequences: exhaustion, loss of strength. Lack of nutrients, vitamins and essential microelements may provoke exacerbation of chronic diseases. There may also be problems with the functioning of all human systems and organs. If you have no appetite oncological diseases, then even death is possible.

If the cause is established, and it is some kind of disease, then return a good appetite will help competent treatment from illness. As a rule, after recovery the desire to eat returns. There are also general recommendations to restore appetite. First of all it is necessary correct mode nutrition. You need to eat often and in small portions. Psychologists note that beautiful serving, a favorable atmosphere and good presentation of a dish evoke a much greater appetite than a boring plate of food.

It is worth accustoming yourself to eating at the same time. Thus, the body will regularly secrete gastric juice in anticipation of a meal. It is also recommended to drink enough liquid. You can use various spices and herbs when preparing dishes. They have a positive effect on appetite. In some cases, there is no appetite due to a lack of vitamins and microelements. A specialist will help you choose a drug with a balanced composition (the emphasis in this situation will be on ascorbic acid and B vitamins). At nervous disorders Plants such as chamomile, lemon balm, and mint will help you cope with the problem perfectly. Well, don't forget about active image life. As they say, you need to work up an appetite. Therefore, walking physical exercise will help stimulate appetite.

Bitterness and drugs in the fight against poor appetite

It has been noticed that infusions of bitters cope well with this problem. medicinal herbs. They irritate the gastric mucosa, thus stimulating the desire to eat. For example, infusions from dandelion root and calamus. Take them a quarter of a glass before meals (three times a day). Everyone knows such a bitter herb as wormwood. The mode of using the tincture based on it is the same. There are also certain drugs for appetite. These include peritol, pernexin. The latter is considered a safe and harmless product, since all components natural origin. In addition, it is rich in B vitamins. Peritol blocks receptors that suppress appetite. This drug has its contraindications (gastritis, asthma, older age of the patient).

Bodybuilders have their own appetite stimulants (insulin, steroids). However, all of them can trigger the development side effects.

If your child doesn't eat well

Usually, main reason The reason why a child has no appetite is a violation of the usual diet. Juices, water or tea before meals fill the volume of the small stomach, thus causing refusal to eat. Naturally, any colds, runny nose, otitis media worsen the condition of children. It’s hard for them to breathe, the body throws all its strength into fighting the disease. In this case, you can also observe a deterioration in appetite. When teething, you also shouldn’t expect your baby to eat in the usual portions. By the way, children younger age especially sensitive to weather changes. This also leaves its mark on appetite. But all these conditions are physiological; there is no point in worrying too much. Older children may refuse food through their emotional condition(resentment, fear, irritation). Under no circumstances should you force feed your baby. This will only make the problem worse. As a result, just the thought of food will cause disgust. It is best to diversify the diet, offer the baby something new, originally decorated. If you have no appetite for a long time, it makes sense to conduct research for the presence of helminths, hypovitaminosis, and nervous disorders.

Herbal medicine and vitamins for children

The answer to the question of how to increase a child’s appetite is quite simple (if no serious illnesses are detected).

First of all, you need to choose a good vitamin complex. This will help balance the amount of essential microelements and restore lost appetite. You can also drink teas based on medicinal herbs. Plants such as Veronica officinalis, spring gentian, and string stimulate the desire to eat. But all these measures should be accompanied by specialist advice and selected individually.

A good appetite has always been considered a sign of health and normal operation body. The feeling of hunger is a natural phenomenon that signals that a person needs to “recharge” and restore lost energy. Accordingly, a lack of interest in food may indicate a number of diseases or problems at work. internal organs. What does lack of appetite mean in adults, and in what cases should you consult a doctor?

A signal that the body needs to replenish its reserves of proteins, carbohydrates and other substances is formed in the brain. It is transmitted through neural endings to the digestive organs, as a result of which the secretion of gastric juice is activated, the level of insulin in the blood increases, and the person feels a feeling of hunger.

Lack of appetite indicates disruptions in this process - these could be diseases digestive tract, hormonal disorders, oncology and much more.

The reasons for loss of interest in food are divided into pathological, that is, those that are the result of malfunctions in the body, and non-pathological - they do not pose a threat to health and do not require medical intervention.

Non-pathological causes of decreased appetite

Distinguish non-pathological causes from dangerous health conditions can be determined by a number of signs. IN in this case There is no appetite for 3-5 days (maximum a week), after which the body’s functioning returns to normal on its own. Such episodes are repeated no more than once a month, do not cause serious weight loss and are not accompanied by nausea, weakness, fever and other symptoms. Similar reasons include the effect on the body external factors and some changes in its functioning that can be corrected without medical intervention.

1. Accommodations. Lack of appetite can be observed in certain conditions - for example, during very hot weather or a sharp change in climatic zones.

   

2. Chronic fatigue. The body spends on digesting food a large number of energy, and at chronic fatigue he subconsciously tries to save strength by refusing food.

   

3. Nervous stress. Any serious emotions, negative or positive, can have an impact Negative influence for appetite. If interest in food occurs immediately after stress is left behind, there is nothing to worry about, but some negative situations can lead to prolonged depression and chronic lack of appetite.

   

4. . Snacking on the go, eating fast food, eating a monotonous diet, strict diets and fasting can lead to disruptions in work digestive organs, and, as a result, to a lack of appetite.

   

5. Premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy. Before menstruation and during pregnancy, a woman’s body is under the influence of hormones, which can cause weakness, headaches and abdominal cramps. As a rule, such conditions disappear on their own after the end of hormonal changes.

   

6. . Smoking, alcohol or medication abuse, and drug use negatively affect the functioning of internal organs and appetite.

   

Decreased appetite is often observed in older people, which can also be considered a variant of the norm - in adulthood, metabolic and digestive processes slow down in the body.

Pathological causes of lack of appetite

Reasons for loss of interest in food that are associated with various diseases, present serious danger for good health. Vitamins, microelements and nutrients cease to enter the body, which over time can lead to general exhaustion and even to fatal outcome. These include:

In this case, loss of appetite is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, etc. If these symptoms develop, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, since similar condition threatens with serious consequences.

Of particular concern are cases where a person becomes nauseous from one type of food, or begins to develop an aversion to once-favorite foods (for example, meat dishes) – this phenomenon often accompanies cancer.

What to do if you lose your appetite?

If lack of appetite is not accompanied additional symptoms, you can try to restore it by following simple rules. If you have an aversion to food, you should not force your body - it is better to eat when you want, in small portions, but at the same time it is advisable to organize your food intake and eat at approximately the same time. Dishes should be tasty, healthy and beautifully presented - so that interest in food is awakened by just one look.

In addition, if your appetite decreases, you should drink as much as possible. more water to prevent dehydration, take walks more often fresh air, engage in physical activity and get proper rest. Recommended consumption vitamin complexes, especially those containing vitamin B12 and ascorbic acid.

What should the menu consist of for loss of appetite in adults? Key Rule is that the diet should be balanced and contain all the microelements and nutrients necessary for health. In addition, there are a number of products that help increase appetite - primarily herbs, spices, hot and salty foods, as well as marinades. True, it is categorically not recommended to abuse them - in large quantities Such food can cause digestive disorders, gastritis and even ulcers.

You should also not eat a lot of fatty and heavy foods - after eating you should feel full, not heavy and full in the stomach.

Before meals, you can drink 50-100 grams of dry red wine or other light alcohol with a bitter aftertaste - aperitifs in reasonable quantities contribute to a good appetite.

Foods that help improve appetite include:

Rule similar treatment consists of the following: from potent drugs(horseradish, mustard, onion, radish) you need to choose one, and you should use it no more than 20 days in a row.

Medicines to increase appetite

Medicines that increase appetite should only be used when extreme cases after consultation with a doctor. Each of them has a number of contraindications and side effects, and if used incorrectly and in dosage, they can cause serious harm to the body.

For neuroses and psychoemotional disorders associated with loss of appetite, patients are recommended to take antidepressants and sedatives in combination with psychotherapy and other treatment methods. The most common drugs include Amitriptyline, Fluoxetine, Cipramil, Paxil, but their prescription and dosage calculation must be made by a doctor.

Video – “Elkar”

How to improve appetite using folk remedies?

Can be used to increase appetite folk remedies, which act no less effectively than medications, but do not harm the body.

1. . The fruits and seeds of the plant contain essential oils, which have antispasmodic and antiseptic effects, and also have a beneficial effect on digestive processes. They can be added as a seasoning to dishes, or to prepare medicine. Steam a tablespoon of raw material with a glass of boiling water, leave covered for 10 minutes, then strain and drink half a glass 2-3 times after meals.

   

2. . Fennel often used for colic in newborns, but few people know that remedies from this plant can increase appetite. Fennel infusion is prepared as follows: steam a teaspoon of chopped fruit with a glass of boiling water, leave for two hours, then strain. Consume 3-4 times a day, 1-2 tablespoons before meals.

   

3. . Regular dill has no less effective healing effects than its sweet counterpart. Take 100 g of dry herb or 200 g of fresh, pour into a sealed container, pour a liter of dry white wine into it, leave in a dark, cool place for a month, shaking from time to time, then filter and squeeze out the remainder. If you have loss of appetite, take the infusion 25-30 g before each meal.

   

4. Dandelion. Fresh dandelion leaves - useful supplement to a diet that improves digestive processes and appetite. Leaves should be collected in an environmentally friendly manner. clean places, away from roads and industrial facilities, and from the roots of the plant you can prepare remedy. Take 2 teaspoons of dry ground root, pour 250 ml cold water, leave for 8 hours and drink ¼ glass four times a day.

   

5. . Wormwood is recommended for use by people who suffer from loss of appetite and general weakness after serious illnesses. The plant can be dried, ground into powder and taken ½ teaspoon before each meal. The second way to use the plant is as follows: take 2 tablespoons of crushed leaves, steam with a glass boiled water, simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes and leave for 30-60 minutes. Next, the product needs to be filtered, topped up boiled water so that the total volume is 250 ml. Drink a tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

   

6. Pomegranate. Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice not only has a beneficial effect on digestion, but also increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood (it is recommended even for pregnant women to eat pomegranate fruits). iron deficiency anemia), and medicine can be prepared not only from grains, but also from peels. It can be ground into powder, mixed with olive oil and eat a teaspoon twice a day.

   

Any means to improve appetite can be used only in cases where the underlying cause of the disease is known - without appropriate therapy, loss of appetite will become chronic, and the body’s condition may worsen significantly.

Video - What to do if you have no appetite

Decreased appetite is a condition in which there is a decrease in the desire to eat. Medical term loss of appetite is anorexia.

Any illness can affect a decrease in appetite. If the disease is treatable, appetite should return when the patient's condition improves or complete recovery occurs.
Loss of appetite can lead to weight loss.

Causes of decreased appetite

Decreased appetite is almost always observed among older people, and there may be no reason for this. However, sadness, depression, anxiety are common cause weight loss that is not explained by other factors, especially among older people.

Cancer can also cause a decrease in appetite. The patient can lose weight even with the usual diet. Types of cancer that can lead to loss of appetite:

Colon cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreas cancer

Other reasons for decreased appetite include:

Chronic liver diseases
- Chronic renal failure
- Dementia
- Heart failure
- Hepatitis
- HIV
- Hypothyroidism
- Pregnancy (first trimester)
- Use of certain medications, including antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, codeine, and morphine
- Use of drugs such as amphetamine, cocaine and heroin
- Recovery after illness

Diagnosis of anorexia

First of all, the diagnosis of anorexia should begin with a thorough history taking.

The patient will be asked questions about lifestyle, diet, and his medical history will be carefully compiled. Questions may include:

How much strong decline Do you have any appetite?
- Are you losing weight? How many?
- Is loss of appetite a new symptom?
- When did it start?
- Was this preceded by any events, for example, the death of a family member or friend?
- What other symptoms bother you?

After getting a clear picture of psychological state It is advisable for the patient to try to determine the physical cause of the loss of appetite. To do this, the following studies can be carried out:

Ultrasound abdominal cavity
- Barium enema, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy if colon cancer is suspected
- General analysis blood
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- HIV test
- Kidney function tests
- Liver function tests
- Pregnancy test
- Thyroid function tests
- Urine screening for drug use

How to help yourself or your loved ones regain their appetite

People with cancer or chronic diseases should learn how to increase protein and calorie intake in their diet. It is advisable to eat high-calorie, nutritious snacks or several small meals throughout the day. Liquid protein drinks can be quite beneficial.

Family members should try to offer the person's favorite foods to help stimulate the person's appetite.

Write down everything you eat and drink for 24 hours. It's called a food diary. Keeping a food diary helps you analyze your eating behavior and adjust your diet.

Convince the patient to seek medical care if his loss of appetite occurs along with other signs of depression, such as alcohol abuse, drug use, or eating disorders.

If you experience loss of appetite caused by medications, ask your doctor about changing your dosage or medication. Never stop taking medications without talking to your doctor.

Consult your doctor if you are losing weight without changing your lifestyle and diet!!!