Loss of Appetite Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Loss of appetite, medically referred to as anorexia, can be caused by a variety of conditions and diseases. Some of the conditions can be temporary and reversible, such as loss of appetite from the effects of medications. Some of the conditions can be more serious, such as from the effects of underlying cancer. Any persisting lack of appetite should be evaluated by a health care professional.
REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Loss of Appetite
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Addison's Disease
Addison disease is a hormonal (endocrine) disorder involving destruction of the adrenal glands (small glands adjacent to the...learn more »
In This Article
Addison's Disease Article
- What is Addison's disease?
- How does Addison's disease occur?
- What is cortisol?
- How is cortisol regulated?
- What is aldosterone?
- What causes Addison's disease?
- Primary adrenal insufficiency
- Polyendocrine deficiency syndrome
- Tuberculosis
- Other causes of Addison's disease
- Secondary adrenal insufficiency
- What are the signs and symptoms of Addison's disease?
- How is Addison's disease diagnosed?
- How is Addison's disease treated?
- Surgery
- Pregnancy?
- Patient education
- For more information
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Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis is a group of diseases resulting from abnormal deposition of certain proteins (amyloids) in various bodily areas. The...learn more »
In This Article
Amyloidosis Article
- Amyloidosis facts
- What is amyloidosis?
- What causes amyloidosis?
- What are risk factors for amyloidosis?
- What are amyloidosis symptoms and signs?
- How is amyloidosis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for amyloidosis?
- What are complications of amyloidosis?
- What is the prognosis of amyloidosis?
- Can amyloidosis be prevented?
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Asthma in Children
Asthma, the main cause of chronic illness in children, has signs and symptoms in children that include frequent coughing spells,...learn more »
In This Article
Asthma in Children Article
- What makes a child more likely to develop asthma?
- Why are more children getting asthma?
- How can I tell if my child has asthma?
- How is asthma diagnosed in children?
- What is the treatment for asthma in kids?
- What asthma drugs can children take?
- How do I give my child asthma medication?
- How do I know when my child's asthma is well controlled?
- Will my child outgrow asthma?
- What do I do when my child has an asthma attack?
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Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and...learn more »
In This Article
Cancer Article
- What is cancer?
- What causes cancer?
- What are cancer symptoms and signs?
- What are the different types of cancer?
- How is cancer diagnosed?
- How is cancer staging determined?
- What is the treatment for cancer?
- What is the prognosis for cancer?
- Can cancer be prevented?
- Where can people find more information about cancer?
- Cancer At A Glance
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Cat Scratch Disease
Cat scratch disease (CSD or cat scratch fever), a bacterial disease caused by Bartonella henselae, is characterized by fever,...learn more »
In This Article
Cat Scratch Disease Article
- What is cat scratch disease? What are cat scratch disease symptoms?
- Can my cat transmit Bartonella henselae to me?
- How can I reduce my risk of getting cat scratch disease from my cat?
- How can I find more information about cat scratch disease?
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In This Article
Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Article
- What is childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
- What are causes and risk factors for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
- What are symptoms and signs of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
- How is childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) diagnosed?
- What is the prognosis for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
- What are the stages of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
- What is recurrent childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
- What is the treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
- What treatments are being tested in clinical trials?
- What is the treatment for recurrent childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
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Coxsackie Virus
Coxsackie viruses may be divided into two groups. Type A causes hand, foot, and mouth disease and conjunctivitis, while type B...learn more »
In This Article
Coxsackie Virus Article
- Coxsackie virus facts
- What is Coxsackie virus?
- What are the types of Coxsackie viruses, and what can they cause?
- What are Coxsackie virus infection symptoms and signs?
- How do people get infected with Coxsackie virus?
- What are the risk factors for Coxsackie virus infection?
- How do Coxsackie infections get diagnosed?
- Is there any treatment for Coxsackie virus infection?
- Can Coxsackie virus infections be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of
a Coxsackie virus infection?
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Dementia
Dementia is a significant loss of intellectual abilities such as memory capacity, severe enough to interfere with social or...learn more »
In This Article
Dementia Article
- Dementia facts*
- Introduction to dementia
- What is dementia?
- What are the different kinds of dementia?
- Alzheimer's disease
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- HIV-associated dementia
- Huntington's disease
- Dementia pugilistica
- Corticobasal degeneration
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
- Other rare hereditary dementias
- Secondary dementias
- Dementias in children
- What other conditions can cause dementia?
- What conditions are not dementia?
- What causes dementia?
- What are the risk factors for dementia?
- How is dementia diagnosed?
- Is there any treatment for dementia?
- Can dementia be prevented?
- What kind of care does a person with dementia need?
- What research is being done?
- How can I help research?
- Where can I get more information?
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Depression
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one...learn more »
In This Article
Depression Article
- Depression facts
- What is a depressive disorder?
- What are myths about depression?
- What are the types of depression, and what are depression symptoms and signs?
- Depression symptoms and signs in men
- Depression symptoms and signs in women
- Depression symptoms and signs in teenagers
- Depression symptoms and signs in children
- What are the causes and risk factors of depression?
- Postpartum depression
- How is depression diagnosed?
- What treatments are available for depression?
- What is the general approach to treating depression?
- What about sexual dysfunction related to antidepressants?
- What about discontinuing antidepressants?
- What are complications of depression?
- What is the prognosis for depression?
- How can depression be prevented?
- What about self-help and home remedies?
- How can someone help a person who is depressed?
- Where can one seek help for depression?
- What is in the future for depression?
- Where can people find more information about depression?
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Encopresis
Encopresis is a type of elimination disorder in which bowel movements are passed into places other than the toilet. Children with...learn more »
In This Article
Encopresis Article
- What are elimination disorders?
- What are the symptoms of encopresis?
- What causes encopresis?
- How common is encopresis?
- How is encopresis diagnosed?
- How is encopresis treated?
- What other problems are associated with encopresis?
- What is the outlook for children with encopresis?
- Can encopresis be prevented?
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In This Article
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Article
- GERD facts
- What is GERD (acid reflux)?
- What causes GERD?
- What are the symptoms of uncomplicated GERD?
- What are the complications of GERD?
- How is GERD diagnosed and evaluated?
- Symptoms and procedures to diagnose GERD
- GERD tests
- How is GERD treated?
- Lifestyle changes and GERD diet
- GERD medications
- GERD surgery
- What is a reasonable approach to the management of GERD?
- What are the unresolved issues in GERD?
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In This Article
GERD and Acid Reflux in Infants and Children Article
- GERD and Acid Reflux in Infants and Children Introduction
- What are the symptoms of acid reflux in infants and children?
- What causes GERD and acid reflux in infants and children?
- How is acid reflux diagnosed in infants and children?
- What are the treatments for acid reflux in infants and children?
- Medications for GERD
- Drugs to lessen gas
- Drugs to neutralize or decrease stomach acid
- Drugs to improve intestinal coordination
- Surgery for reflux in children
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In This Article
Infectious Mononucleosis Article
- Infectious mononucleosis (mono) facts
- What is infectious mononucleosis?
- What is the cause of mono?
- What are risk factors for mono?
- How is mono transmitted or spread?
- What are the symptoms of mono?
- What are the signs of mono?
- How is mono diagnosed?
- What is the usual course and treatment of mono?
- What are the complications of mono?
- How can mono be prevented?
- Conclusion
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Kidney Failure
Kidney failure can occur from an acute event or a chronic condition or disease. Prerenal kidney failure is caused by blood loss,...learn more »
In This Article
Kidney Failure Article
- Kidney failure facts
- What are the kidneys?
- What causes kidney failure?
- What are the symptoms of kidney failure?
- How is kidney failure diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for kidney failure?
- Diet
- Medications
- Dialysis
- Hemodialysis
- Peritoneal dialysis
- Kidney transplantation
- What is the prognosis for someone with kidney failure?
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Legionnaires' Disease
Legionellosis is an infection caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacterium. There are two forms of legionellosis: Pontiac fever...learn more »
In This Article
Legionnaires' Disease Article
- Legionnaires' disease
and Pontiac fever (legionellosis) facts
- What causes legionellosis? What is the history of Legionnaires' disease?
- How common is Legionnaires' disease?
- What are the usual symptoms of Legionnaires' disease?
- How is the diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease made?
- Who develops Legionnaires' disease?
- What is the treatment for Legionnaires' disease?
- How is Legionnaires' disease spread?
- Where is the Legionella bacterium found?
- How can Legionnaires' disease be prevented?
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Peptic Ulcer
A peptic ulcer is an ulcer in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Ulcer formation is related to Helicobacter...learn more »
In This Article
Peptic Ulcer Article
- Peptic ulcer facts
- What is a peptic ulcer?
- What causes of peptic ulcers?
- What are symptoms of peptic ulcers?
- How is a peptic ulcer diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for peptic ulcers?
- What are the complications of peptic ulcers?
- Peptic ulcer summary
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Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs within a year after delivery. It is thought that rapid hormone changes...learn more »
In This Article
Postpartum Depression Article
- Postpartum depression facts
- What is postpartum depression? Are there different types of postpartum
depression?
- What are causes and risk factors for postpartum depression?
- What are postpartum depression symptoms and signs?
- How is postpartum depression diagnosed?
- What are the treatments for postpartum depression?
- What is the prognosis of postpartum depression?
- Can postpartum depression be prevented?
- Where can people get more information about postpartum depression?
- Where can people get support for postpartum depression?
- What research is being done on postpartum depression?
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Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders are a group of serious illnesses that affect the mind. Different types of psychotic disorders include...learn more »
In This Article
Psychotic Disorders Article
- Psychotic disorder facts
- What are the different types of psychotic disorders?
- How common are psychotic disorders?
- What are causes and risk factors for psychotic disorders in children, teenagers, and adults?
- What are psychotic disorder
symptoms and signs?
- How are psychotic disorders diagnosed?
- What are the treatments for psychotic disorders?
- What are potential complications of medications used to treat psychotic disorders?
- Is it possible to treat psychotic disorders without medication?
- What are complications of psychotic disorders?
- What is the prognosis for people with a psychotic disorder?
- Can psychotic disorders be prevented?
- Where can people find additional information about psychotic disorders?
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as...learn more »
In This Article
Rheumatoid Arthritis Article
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) facts
- What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
- What are causes and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis?
- What are rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and signs?
- What are complications of rheumatoid disease?
- How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
- "First-line" rheumatoid arthritis medications
- "Second-line" or "slow-acting" rheumatoid arthritis drugs
- What are newer treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
- What about rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy?
- Rheumatoid arthritis diet and other treatments
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
- Can rheumatoid arthritis be prevented?
- What research is being done on rheumatoid arthritis?
- Where can people get additional information on rheumatoid arthritis?
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In This Article
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Article
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) facts
- What is Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
- Where do most cases of RMSF occur in the U.S.?
- What is the history of Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
- What causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
- What are risk factors for Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
- What are symptoms and signs of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in children and adults?
- How is Rocky Mountain spotted fever diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for Rocky Mountain spotted fever in children and adults?
- What are complications of Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
- What is the prognosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in children and adults?
- How can people safely remove a tick?
- Can Rocky Mountain spotted fever be prevented?
- Where can people find more information on Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
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Stress
Stress occurs when forces from the outside world impinge on the individual. Stress is a normal part of life. However,...learn more »
In This Article
Stress Article
- What is stress?
- A brief history of stress
- What are the signs and symptoms of poorly managed stress?
- Who is most vulnerable to stress?
- Teen stress
- What is the healthy response to stress?
- How does the response to stress work?
- What is the role of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (grouping) in stress?
- What is the role of the locus coeruleus in stress?
- How do the connections in the brain work in stress?
- What do we know about using (activating) and overusing our internal systems that respond to stress?
- What are the effects of stress on medical and psychological conditions?
- Conclusions about the effects of stress
- How can we manage stress?
- What's in the future for stress?
- Stress At A Glance
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Stroke
A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or...learn more »
In This Article
Stroke Article
- Stroke facts
- What is a stroke?
- What causes a stroke?
- What are the risk factors for stroke?
- What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- What is the impact of strokes?
- What are stroke symptoms?
- What should be done if you
suspect you or someone else is having a stroke?
- How is a stroke diagnosed?
- What is the treatment of a stroke?
- Is surgical treatment done for strokes?
- What complications can occur after a stroke?
- What can be done to prevent a stroke?
- What is in the future for stroke treatment?
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Thyroid Cancer
There are four major types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Tumors on the...learn more »
In This Article
Thyroid Cancer Article
- Thyroid cancer facts*
- What is the thyroid?
- What is cancer?
- What are the different types of thyroid cancer?
- Thyroid cancer symptoms*
- How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?
- How is staging determined for thyroid cancer?
- What is the treatment for thyroid cancer?
- Surgery
- Thyroid hormone treatment
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- External radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Second opinion
- Follow-up care
- Sources of support
- Taking part in cancer research
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Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is an infectious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Side effects are rare with the yellow fever vaccine....learn more »
In This Article
Yellow Fever Article
- What is yellow fever? What is the history of yellow fever?
- What causes yellow fever?
- How is yellow fever transmitted?
- What areas are high-risk for contracting yellow fever?
- What is the incubation period for yellow fever?
- What are yellow fever symptoms and signs?
- How is yellow fever diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for yellow fever?
- What is the prognosis for people with yellow fever?
- Can yellow fever be prevented?
- Where can people get more information on yellow fever?
- Yellow Fever At A Glance
Other Causes of Loss of Appetite
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
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