Health:Facts about loss of appetite

Loss of appetite or anorexia is a distressing condition for any individual. It is because of our appetite that we eat, feel satiated and energetic to carry on our daily work. But when a person has all his favourite dishes laid out and does not have the desire to eat them, he and his family members feel anxious. Loss of appetite may be for a short duration say about 2 or 3 days. This could be due to some mental stress, overwork, acute sickness like flu or tonsillitis. But it usually recovers spontaneously as the problem is corrected. The loss of appetite can be of a longer duration when it is more worrying. It can be due to chronic infections like tuberculosis, HIV, Disorders of the liver, gall bladder and kidneys also result in anorexia. In fact, a person saying he has no appetite and refusing food may be the first pointer to a chronic illness. Malignancy in any part of the body also induces anorexia along with other symptoms. Chronic cardiac failure leads to impaired perfusion of the gut as of other organs. This reduces digestion and induces dyspepsia along with anorexia. Functional disorders of the digestive system like chronic constipation, dyspepsia, state of hyperacidity, e.t.c., also impair the appetite of a person. Chronic smoking and alcoholism are also responsible for causing anorexia in an individual. Some drugs like Metformin (anti diabetic drug), anti migraine, antidepressant drugs, e.t.c., suppress appetite. Anorexia nervosa is a neurotic condition where an individual mostly a young woman starves herself to remain slim. Similarly, anorexia mirabilis is a neurotic condition where a middle aged woman stops taking food for sake of piety. Whatever may be the cause for loss of appetite, if it is of a long duration, it tends to impair the nutritional status of a person. Being deprived of essential calories an individual becomes weak and looks emaciated. He develops multiple deficiencies due to inadequate intake of essential nutrients like iron, calcium, vitamins, e.t.c. This makes him feel weak. He often suffers from vague body pain and is unable to carry on his work efficiently. In advanced cases, small activities like walking around in a room or dressing up also become difficult for the affected person. Therefore, it is imperative to treat the cause of anorexia and help a person regain his normal strength thereby improving his quality of life. Diagnosis of the underlying cause of anorexia is based on the duration of the anorexia and associated symptoms. It is confirmed by means of specific tests. In case of specific causes like tuberculosis causing anorexia, the appetite improves spontaneously with improvement of the physical state due to specific treatment. If the loss of appetite is due to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, counseling and regular supervision of the individual is needed to see that she starts eating properly. Drugs like cyproheptadine are available to improve appetite. But it is not desirable to use it in all situations. Moreover it causes side effects like drowsiness, instability in walking and dryness of mouth. Thus instead of improving the overall well being of a person it tends to make him feel more sick. Used regularly it tends to cause obesity. Attention to the nutritional status of the person is vital till his appetite improves. Till the period when one has anorexia, he or she should be fed with small quantities of food 4 to 6 times every day. This helps in maintaining the energy levels of the person and also the normal physiology of the digestive system. It also provides the essential nutrients necessary for normal and healthy functioning of the body. Supplements of vitamins and essential nutrient substances aid in regaining good health of a person suffering from loss of appetite. Quitting alcohol and smoking are useful in improving the overall health of an individual; hence the concerned person should be motivated to do so. Some obese people feel happy if they develop anorexia due to any reason thinking that this will help them to shed weight. But they should realize that anorexia is not healthy and they should get it treated. rachna212002@yahoo.co.uk