Poor Appetite
Poor appetite in plain words means decrease sensation of appetite. It’s a common symptom for which many possible causes exist. Some cause may be perfectly harmless whereas in others it may indicate serious underlying illness.
Medical term for poor appetite is anorexia. Poor appetite is a common symptom of advanced age, chronic disease, and medication side effects. Cancer.Depending on the cause the symptom may be acute or chronic.
Poor appetite and poor growth occasionally are seen in association with constipation and may result from early satiety caused by the feeling of fullness of the colon. Parents frequently describe their constipated children as lethargic.
It may occur in condition on affecting digestive system or more generalized condition such as
- Dehydration
- Infection
- Heart failure
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Hepatitis
- Kidney Failure
- AIDS
- Hypothyroidism
- Pregnancy (first trimester)
- Use of certain medications, including antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, codeine, and morphine
Care
People with cancer or chronic illness need to increase their protein and calorie intake. Nutritious snacks or possibly several small meals during the day can be very helpful.
Drink nutritious fluids (such as milk or juice) between meals instead of during meals.
Set times of the day when you are normally hungry. Eat at those times even if you do not feel particularly hungry.
Take a 15-or 20-minute walk about an hour before eating.
Light exercise helps stimulate appetite.
It all comes down to your palate, family members should facilitate or supply favourite foods to stimulate appetite.
Keeping a daily diet history is an absolute must.