Causes Of Fatigue And Loss Of Appetite
Even though fatigue and loss of appetite may initially appear quite harmless, and not a cause for worry, if it persists for several days or even longer, it is important for you to try and determine what the root causes are.
Several conditions can contribute to the prevalence of symptoms, while others may be related to lifestyle traits and habits. Common causes include:
Reasons For A Loss Of Appetite
Any illness may affect your appetite. However, your desire to eat should return once your illness resolves.
If you have no appetite and youre losing weight, then its time to schedule an appointment to see whats going on. Your sudden change in appetite may be a sign of colon cancer, stomach, cancer, or pancreatic cancer. It may also develop from a chronic health condition, such as kidney disease or heart failure.
A poor appetite is also a common symptom of many gastrointestinal conditions, including acid reflux, constipation, and inflammatory bowel diseases . It certainly wouldnt be surprising that you didnt want to eat if you had abdominal pain or felt nauseous regularly.
Loss Of Appetite Quiz
- Hyperparathyroidism, which causes the body to make too much parathyroid hormone
Dr. Rx
As we age, our sense of taste and smell decrease, leading to decreased enjoyment of food. It also becomes harder to shop and/or cook for ourselves. Luckily, many of these can be managed by eating food you enjoy and eating smaller, more frequent meals, as well as eating foods that are high in calories and/or nutrient dense. Dr. Manuelpillai
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Symptoms Like Abdominal Pain Weight Loss Or Fever Could Signal Something More Serious
Most parents wear lots of hats: chef, chauffeur, maid and even “Doctor” Mom or Dad when kids are sick. Most times, common symptoms like a sore throat dont warrant a trip but to the doctor. Other times, however, common symptoms like fever could signal something more serious in your child. How can parents know the difference?
Really listen to your child and try writing it down so you can see if there are patterns happening, says Katrina Iverson, MD, of Presbyterian/St. Lukes Medical Center in Denver, Colorado.
And if youre not sure whether or not your childs symptoms are severe, its best to call the pediatricians advice line or schedule an appointment.
Here are five common symptoms you should watch out for, and what prolonged pain or discomfort can mean.
The Four Most Common Symptoms Of The Omicron Variant Are Cough Fatigue Congestion And Runny Nose According To A Cdc Analysis Of The First 43 Cases Investigated In The Us In Some Cases Vomiting Has Also Been Reported As A Symptom Among Those With The Variant The Report Said
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While the Omicron variant is considered to be mild, the new symptoms include nausea and loss of appetite, according to a Zoe Covid app study. According to the UKs NHS, the symptoms of coronavirus generally include a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, the Daily Express reported. However, some people have had nausea and a loss of appetite symptoms that are not usually associated with Covid.
According to Tim Spector, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at Kings College London, these are common symptoms in those who tend to be double-jabbed or even boosted.
Quite a few of them had nausea, slight temperature, sore throats and headaches, he was quoted as saying.
The four most common symptoms of the omicron variant are cough, fatigue, congestion and runny nose, according to a CDC analysis of the first 43 cases investigated in the US. In some cases, vomiting has also been reported as a symptom among those with the variant, the report said.
Recent preliminary studies have stated that Omicron appears to be milder than the Delta variant wave.
People infected are between 40 and 70 per cent less likely to be admitted to hospitals.
Research from an Imperial College London study and Scottish paper Early Pandemic Evaluation and Enhanced Surveillance of Covid-19, states that people with Omicron are 15 to 20 per cent less likely to need hospital treatment.
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Signs Of Unintended Weight Loss
There are different measures that your dietitian or doctor might use to measure weight loss: 5% of your total body weight being lost over a 6-12 month period is a place your healthcare team might start as far as significant weight loss .
However, you or your loved ones likely have less clinical ways to know as well. If you weigh yourself, is your weight going down a bit each week/month even if you dont feel you are doing anything differently with your diet or exercise?
How about your clothing? Does it feel baggier or have you had to buy smaller clothing sizes? Have family members expressed concern about your weight going down? Does your face seem thinner or are your collar bones more pronounced than they used to be?
Diseases Related To Your Bowels And Intestines Can Result In Weight Loss And Improper Nutrition Absorption
Certain health conditions that affect the digestive system can cause weight loss, indicating there’s something more serious going on. “Celiac disease is when the ingestion of gluten causes damage to the small intestine, usually accompanied by diarrhea and bloating,” explained Petre. “This reaction hampers your ability to absorb nutrients properly.”
Additionally, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s can also result in weight loss due to malabsorption.
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Causes Of Appetite Loss
Many different things can cause appetite loss in a person with cancer:
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Changes in metabolism, which is the bodys process of breaking down food and turning it into energy. Such changes can happen with advanced cancer.
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Cancer inside the abdomen, which may cause irritation or swelling.
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An enlarged spleen or liver, which pushes on the stomach and creates a feeling of fullness.
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Ascites, which is a buildup of protein-filled fluid in the abdomen that may create a feeling of fullness.
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Medications, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other drugs.
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Radiation therapy or surgery to any part of the gastrointestinal organs, such as the stomach or intestines.
Other side effects of cancer treatment can also cause appetite loss:
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Nausea and vomiting
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Stress or anxiety
Problems Digesting Food Such As Feeling Full Quickly When You Eat Bloating Burping Or Wind
The pancreas plays an important role in breaking down food . It is common for pancreatic cancer to cause problems with eating and digesting food.
Symptoms of this include feeling full up quickly when you eat, bloating of your tummy, lots of wind, and burping. But these symptoms are common problems and arent usually due to pancreatic cancer.
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About Stomach Pain Or Ache
Stomach pain in children is very often caused by wind and indigestion, neither of which is serious.
A sore tummy might also be a sign of infections like food poisoning, gastroenteritis, pneumonia or urinary tract infections.
Anxiety or stress can cause butterflies in the tummy.
Severe stomach pain might be caused by more serious illnesses like appendicitis or intussusception, which is when part of the intestine slides into or over itself.
Tummy pain that keeps coming back might be associated with constipation, food intolerances or inflammation in the gut.
In adolescent girls, stomach pain can be caused by reproductive issues, including period pain, a twisted ovary and ectopic pregnancy.
Sometimes stomach pain is functional abdominal pain. This means that the stomach is very sensitive, even to the normal movement of food through the digestive system.
Treatment Of Fatigue And Loss Of Appetite
An effective outcome from treatment depends on the proper identification of what is causing symptoms in the first place. While it is possible to employ an empirical approach, this usually mandates usage of a wide range of techniques and medications, many of which are redundant or totally unnecessary.
Common approaches to the treatment of fatigue and loss of appetite include:
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A Common Side Effect Of Depression Is A Loss Of Appetite
A common side effect of clinical depression is a loss of appetite, which can result in weight loss. “Oftentimes patients are so mired in depression that they don’t notice the weight loss,” explained Petre.
If you’re feeling depressed, even if you’re not experiencing weight loss, you may want to consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional. Other symptoms of depression can include irritability, indecision, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, trouble sleeping, and difficulty thinking or concentrating.
Body Aches Or Pains Decreased Appetite Fatigue And Fever
- Medical Author: Sabrina Felson, MD
Last Editorial Review: 6/15/2020
Body aches, , fatigue, and fever can be seen together as a viral syndrome, gastroenterieis, mononucleosis, and lyme disease. Rarely in lymphomas or leukemias. Call your doctor if this persists.
While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:
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What Causes Sudden And Severe Abdominal Pain
Sudden and severe abdominal pain should never be ignored. Steadily worsening abdominal pain may also be a sign of a serious condition.
If you have these symptoms, go immediately to your nearest hospital emergency department or call triple zero and ask for an ambulance.
Some of the causes of serious abdominal pain include:
What Are The Symptoms Of Gastroparesis
The symptoms of gastroparesis may include
- feeling full soon after starting a meal
- feeling full long after eating a meal
Certain medicines may delay gastric emptying or affect motility, resulting in symptoms that are similar to those of gastroparesis. If you have been diagnosed with gastroparesis, these medicines may make your symptoms worse. Medicines that may delay gastric emptying or make symptoms worse include the following:
- some antidepressants , such as amitriptyline , nortriptyline , and venlafaxine
- some anticholinergics medicines that block certain nerve signals
- some medicines used to treat overactive bladder
These medicines do not cause gastroparesis.
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Changes In Bowel Habits
Changes in bowel habits that can indicate colon or rectal cancer include the following:
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New-onset constipation or diarrhea
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Changes in frequency or size and caliber of bowel movements
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A bowel that doesnt seem to empty completely
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Stool that is narrower than normal
Occasional bowel changes can be caused by a dietary change, disagreeable food or a viral/bacterial infection. However, if you are experiencing something new and unexplainedand it lasts more than a couple of dayssee your doctor.
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Changes In Bowel Habit
People with pancreatic cancer sometimes experience constipation or diarrhoea . Stools can also be large, pale, smelly and float. This is because there is too much fat in the stool as food is not digested properly.
Constipation and diarrhoea are quite common. However, if a change in your bowels keeps happening or lasts longer than a week, discuss this with your GP. It does not mean you have pancreatic cancer but is important to investigate and your GP may be able to resolve your symptoms easily.
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Investigating Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Investigating pancreatic cancer can be a complex process. If you are concerned about your symptoms, it may be helpful for you and your GP to track your symptoms using our symptom diary.
When your GP examines you, they may look for jaundice , feel your tummy and send blood or urine samples to be analysed. If your symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss and jaundice together then you should be referred to the hospital as urgent. This does not mean that you certainly have pancreatic cancer, but your symptoms need to be investigated quickly.
Focus On Stress Management
Stress can lead to digestive issues, sleeping difficulties, and fatigue. Stress may also exacerbate underlying health conditions, such as depression, fibromyalgia, and Crohns disease. The following activities may help a person manage their stress levels:
- regular exercise
Short term appetite changes and tiredness are not usually a cause for concern. These symptoms may occur as a result of a minor illness or be due to a change in the diet or sleep habits.
However, a person should see a doctor if they:
- experience persistent appetite loss or tiredness that does not improve in response to altering the diet or getting better quality sleep
- experience appetite loss or tiredness after starting a new medication
- have an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer
Children and infants who experience tiredness and appetite loss may have difficulty communicating how they feel. If a child seems weak and overly tired or refuses to eat, a parent or caregiver should take them to see a pediatrician.
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What Exams Procedures And Tests Diagnose The Cause Of Fatigue
For the evaluation of fatigue, the health care practitioner will take a complete history of the patients fatigue, along with questions in regard to associated symptoms. The health care practitioner may inquire about the following activities and symptoms to determine the probable cause of the fatigue:
Quality of Life
Does the level of fatigue remain constant throughout the day? Does the fatigue get worse as the day goes on, or does the fatigue begin at the start of the day? Is there a pattern to the fatigue ? Does the fatigue occur at regular cycles? How is the persons emotional state? Does the person feel unhappiness or disappointment in life? Sleep pattern determination. How much sleep is the person getting? During what hours does the person sleep? Does the person awake rested or fatigued? How many times does the person awake during sleep? Are they able to fall back asleep? Does the person get regular exercise? Any exercise? Has the person had any new stressors in their life? Change in relationships, jobs, school, or living arrangements? What is the persons diet? Is there a high intake of coffee, sugar, or excessive amounts of food?
The definitive diagnosis depends on discovering the underlying cause of the fatigue this is determined by evaluating the history, the physical exam and the appropriate test results.
How Can I Ease Abdominal Pain And Loss Of Appetite At Home
In addition to following your doctors recommended treatment plan, some home care strategies may help.
For example, staying hydrated is very important. It can help reduce potential complications of abdominal pain and loss of appetite. Eating small frequent meals with bland ingredients may be less likely to upset your stomach. Some examples of these ingredients include:
- cooked fruits without seeds, such as applesauce
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When Should I Seek A Doctors Help
You should seek a doctors help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms:
- severe pain or cramping in your abdomen
- red blood in your vomit, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- sudden, sharp stomach pain that doesnt go away
- vomiting for more than an hour
- feeling extremely weak or fainting
- difficulty breathing
You should seek a doctors help if you have any signs or symptoms of dehydration, which may include
- extreme thirst and dry mouth
- urinating less than usual
- dark-colored urine
- sunken eyes or cheeks
- light-headedness or fainting
You should seek a doctors help if you have any signs or symptoms of malnutrition, which may include
- feeling tired or weak all the time
- losing weight without trying
- abnormal paleness of the skin
When To Seek Medical Attention
It’s normal to experience diarrhea and/or loss of appetite for a few days, especially if you have or are recovering from a stomach bug or have been traveling. But if these issues persist for more than four days or worsen, consult your healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause and direct you to the appropriate treatment.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea that does not improve in five days or occurs with any of the following symptoms:
- Have been vomiting for more than 24 hours
- Are losing a lot of weight unintentionally
- Think you may have an eating disorder
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How Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosed
Right now, theres no test to tell if someone has chronic fatigue syndrome. Doctors ask a lot of questions . They also will do a thorough physical exam.
Doctors also usually order blood, urine , or other tests to check for conditions that cause similar symptoms. They may send a person to see other specialists to help with the diagnosis.
A doctor may suggest meeting with a psychologist or a therapist who can see whether mental health disorders might contribute to or mask CFS.
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Consequences Of Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss, as mentioned already, can lead to an increased risk of illness, disease and death . When our bodies are not well nourished, our immune systems are less equipped to fight off infections or to heal wounds.
Weight loss also usually includes loss of muscle, meaning that we are likely to become weaker. Doing daily tasks may become more difficult, we may have reduced stamina, and we are more likely to fall.
This ultimately means that our independence may be affected. Whether it be moving around, taking care of the household, or attending to our hygiene and care: when we lose weight, all of these day-to-day tasks become more challenging and we are at higher risk for injury.
You can learn more about unintended weight loss here.
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