Anorexia

This is loss of appetite or having no desire to eat.

It is often a general symptom of an acute illness or infection especially if this involves the gut and is accompanied by nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting or mouth problems. Other causes include mood disturbance such as stress, anxiety and depression or certain drug treatments including cancer chemotherapy and some antibiotics.

The desire to eat will quickly return once the underlying infection or illness is treated and is often the first indicator of recovery. Whatever the cause, maintaining good nutrition is very important and can be helped by eating little but often, especially favourite foods, or taking high calorie drinks as dietary supplements. Appetite stimulants and advice from a dietician may be helpful especially if the anorexia is chronic.

See also: Nausea and Weight loss.