What Are the Treatments for Loss of Appetite?
Loss of appetite can happen to anyone at any age, but it more commonly affects the elderly or people who are very sick. In addition, people with eating disorders such as anorexia will also develop a loss of appetite. When a person does not have the desire to eat, he may become malnourished and develop health problems. Weight loss can be dramatic in some cases, causing person to become too thin and unhealthy if the condition is prolonged.
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Effects
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A loss of appetite can have negative effects on a person. A person may be affected at home, work or school. Food supplies the body with nourishment needed for energy and cell repair. When a person is not fueling the body regularly, she may become tired, sluggish or irritable. In addition, a loss of appetite can also cause a person to sleep more often and become unproductive in his daily life. Weight loss is likely to happen rather quickly as well.
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Causes
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Many things can contribute to a loss of appetite. One of the most common is a viral or bacterial infection. When a person is sick, he may suffer from nausea and not feel like eating. Children often refuse food when their body is fighting a serious infection. Depression is another reason why someone has a loss of appetite. When a person feels overwhelmingly sad, she may lose interest in food altogether. Other health conditions such as cancer, systemic lupus erthematosus or rheumatoid arthritis may also be the culprit.
Basic treatment options
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Several treatment options are available for people with a loss of appetite. Your doctor will need to diagnose the reason for your symptoms in order to recommend the right treatment. People with cancer are often put on a nutrient-dense, high- calorie diet. They are encouraged to eat regardless of whether they are hungry or not. These diets are founded on protein as the main building block because protein helps prevent muscle wasting.
A dietitian typically works with patients to help regain their appetite and encourage them to eat. In some cases, vitamin supplements are also needed. Patients are encouraged to chew their food and choose their favorite foods. Some nutritionists recommend adding powdered milk and more fat to the diet to improve overall health. If nausea is the main cause, your doctor may prescribe an anti-nausea medication. People suffering with depression may also need to be on medications or receive counseling to regain a normal life.
Serious treatment options
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If a loss of appetite is so severe, a person's life may be at risk. In this case, more serious treatment options may be needed. If a person is so sick that he does not have the ability to chew food or swallow, hospitalization may be needed. This person may also need to receive food from an intravenous feeding tube. Food such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and fats are given to the person via an IV line. Another method is eternal feeding. This type of feeding involves injecting food and vitamins through a tube placed inside the nose. This tube leads to the stomach or small intestine.
Warning
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If you have or someone you know has been losing their appetite for awhile, this could be a sign that something more serious is going on. See a doctor right away, especially if you have additional symptoms such as blood in the stool, severe nausea or pain. Avoid trying to treat the problem on your own as this could lead to more problems. This is even more serious if a child is the one not eating. Children need food to build healthy brains and grow. They will waste away much faster from not eating compared to an adult.
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