TREATMENTS &
RESEARCH

Search the
latest
treatment
information
here.

Dr. Huntley's
Diagnosis
Checklist

Have a symptom?
See what questions
a doctor would ask.
 
Symptoms » Loss of appetite
 

Loss of appetite

Contents for Poor appetite
  1. Introduction: Poor appetite
  2. Causes (990 conditions)
  3. Diagnostic Guides
  4. Drug causes (1343 listings)
  5. Drug interaction causes (177 listings)
  6. Diagnostic tests (40 listings)
  7. Questions your doctor may ask (and why) (36 listings)
  8. Videos
  9. Combined symptoms
  10. News (14 listings)

Poor appetite

Loss of appetite: Loss of appetite is listed as an alternate name or description for symptom:

Causes of Poor appetite (Loss of appetite): See detailed list of causes below.

Medical Book Extracts related to Poor appetite (Loss of appetite): Refer to the excerpt book sections about Poor appetite below.

Poor appetite (medical symptom): Loss or reduction in appetite for food

Causes of Poor appetite (Loss of appetite)

The list of medical condition causes of Poor appetite (Loss of appetite) includes:

All 990 causes of Poor appetite

Related Symptoms for Loss of appetite

Research the causes of these related symptoms that are similar to, or related to, the symptom Loss of appetite:

Broader Symptom Types for Loss of appetite:

Research the causes of these symptoms that are more broader types of symptom than Loss of appetite:

More Symptom Information for Loss of appetite

For a medical symptom description of 'Loss of appetite', the following symptom information may be relevant to the symptoms: Poor appetite (symptom). However, note that other causes of the symptom 'Loss of appetite' may be possible.

More information on symptom: Poor appetite:

Loss of appetite: Related Medical Topics

Research related medical symptoms or conditions such as:

Medical Textbook Extracts for Loss of appetite

Free access to excerpts from published medical book extracts about the causes and diagnosis of Poor appetite from the following published medical books is available for more detailed information that is related to Loss of appetite.

ANOREXIA
(Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)

... Is it acute or chronic? Acute anorexia would most likely be due to an acute febrile disease or acute psychiatric disturbance. Is there a ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »

DEPRESSION
(Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)

... Is there associated headache, papilledema, dementia, or focal neurologic signs? These findings would suggest a space-occupying lesion. This is something the clinician does ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »

WEIGHT LOSS
(Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)

... Is there fever? The presence of fever would suggest an infectious disease, such as tuberculosis, AIDS, brucellosis, and typhoid fever, but ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »

NAUSEA AND VOMITING
(Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)

... Is there a history of alcohol or drug ingestion? Alcohol and many drugs such as digitalis, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, antihypertensives, and ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »

Weight Loss
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

... Unexplained, involuntary weight loss (defined as loss of 5% of baseline body weight over 6–12 months) is a common clinical presentation and is nearly always a sign of... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »

Nausea & Vomiting
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

... Vomiting is an involuntary forceful extrusion of stomach contents. It is a mediated by a complex reflex that is located in the vomiting center of the medulla oblongata. Reflex vomiting results when afferent fibers of the inner ear,... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »

Weight Gain
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

... Weight gain is a very common complaint in adult medicine and has a vast differential diagnosis. The key to diagnosis is often a good history and physical examination. It is important to quantify the degree and... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »

Anorexia
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

... Anorexia refers to a loss of appetite. The hypothalamus is thought to be the center of appetite control, but the stimuli that influence this control are poorly understood. Prolonged anorexia... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »

Weight Loss
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

... The norm in infants and children is to gain weight, so weight loss in a pediatric patient (unless medically indicated) should demand evaluation. Acute weight loss, defined as loss of 3–5% of body mass in less than 30... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »

Diarrhea – Chronic, No Blood or Weight Loss
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

... Chronic diarrhea (nonbloody, without weight loss) is defined as increased total daily stool output (greater than 10 g/kg/day), associated with increased stool water content; diarrhea is classified as chronic when it lasts... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »

Diarrhea – Chronic, with Weight Loss
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

... Diarrhea is considered chronic when it last longer than 14 days. Weight loss with diarrhea should always be concerning and deserves thorough investigation. Collectively the malabsorption syndromes are the most common... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »

ANOREXIA
(Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)

... Physiology is the most appropriate basic science to use in developing a list of the causes of anorexia. A good appetite depends on a psychic desire for food; a happy GI tract that is secreting hydrochloric acid, pancreatic and ... READ EXCERPTS »

WEIGHT LOSS
(Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)

... As noted in Table 62, the diagnostic analysis of weight loss is best accomplished by applying physiology. Food and oxygen must be properly and regularly brought into the ... READ EXCERPTS »

DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND OTHER ABNORMAL PSYCHIC STATES
(Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)

... It is simple enough to administer a sedative and refer the emotionally distressed patient to a psychiatrist, but the astute diagnostician will want to rule out an organic disease first. Almost every endocrine disease is associated with ... READ EXCERPTS »

NAUSEA AND VOMITING
(Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)

... These two should be considered together, because nausea is just a forme fruste of vomiting. This symptom lends itself well to anatomic analysis, ... READ EXCERPTS »

Anorexia
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

... Anorexia, a lack of appetite in the presence of a physiologic need for food, is a common symptom of GI and endocrine disorders and is characteristic of certain severe psychological disturbances such as anorexia nervosa. It can also... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Depression
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

... Depression is a mood disturbance characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. These feelings may be accompanied by somatic complaints, such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Nausea
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

... Nausea is a sensation of profound revulsion to food or of impending vomiting. Typically accompanied by autonomic signs, such as hypersalivation, diaphoresis, tachycardia, pallor, and... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... READ EXCERPTS »

Weight gain, excessive
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

... Weight gain occurs when ingested calories exceed body requirements for energy, causing increased adipose tissue storage. It can also occur when fluid retention causes edema. When weight gain results... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Fontanel depression
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

... Depression of the anterior fontanel below the surrounding bony ridges of the skull is a sign of dehydration. A common disorder of infancy and early childhood, dehydration can result from... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... READ EXCERPTS »

Low birth weight
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

... Two groups of neonates are born weighing less than the normal minimum birth weight of 5½  lb (2,500 g) — those who are born prematurely (before 37 weeks’ gestation) and those who are small for gestational... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Weight loss, excessive
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

... Weight loss can reflect decreased food intake, decreased food absorption, increased metabolic requirements, or a combination of the three. Its causes include endocrine, neoplastic, GI, and psychiatric disorders; nutritional... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... READ EXCERPTS »

Weight Loss
(A Pocket Manual of Differential Diagnosis)

... Ankylosing spondylitis Bilateral lesions of the lateral hypothalamus (hypothalamic anorexia) Decreased food intake/malnutrition    ... READ EXCERPTS »

Nausea and Vomiting*
(A Pocket Manual of Differential Diagnosis)

... Central Nervous System Disorders Increased intracranial pressure    Head trauma    Central nervous system neoplasms ... READ EXCERPTS »

Weight Gain
(A Pocket Manual of Differential Diagnosis)

... Cessation of cigarette smoking Congenital disorders    Alström syndrome    Biemond syndrome ... READ EXCERPTS »

Major depression
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

... Also known as unipolar disorder, major depression is a syndrome of persistently sad, dysphoric mood, accompanied by disturbances in sleep and appetite, lethargy, and an inability to... Causes and incidence ... Signs and symptoms ... Diagnosis ... Treatment ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Anorexia nervosa
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

... The key feature of anorexia nervosa is self-imposed starvation, resulting from a distorted body image and an intense, irrational fear of gaining weight, even when the patient is obviously emaciated. A patient... Causes and incidence ... Signs and symptoms ... Diagnosis ... Treatment ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Anorexia
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

... Anorexia, a lack of appetite in the presence of a physiologic need for food, is a common symptom of GI and endocrine disorders and is characteristic of certain severe... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Depression
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

... Depression is a mood disturbance characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. These feelings may be accompanied by somatic complaints, such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances,... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Nausea
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

... Nausea is a sensation of profound revulsion to food or of impending vomiting. Often accompanied by autonomic signs, such as hypersalivation, diaphoresis, tachycardia, pallor, and tachypnea, it’s closely associated with both... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... READ EXCERPTS »

Weight gain, excessive
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

... Weight gain occurs when ingested calories exceed body requirements for energy, causing increased adipose tissue storage. It can also occur when fluid retention causes edema. When weight gain results from overeating, emotional... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Fontanel depression
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

... Depression of the anterior fontanel below the surrounding bony ridges of the skull is a sign of dehydration. A common disorder of infancy and early childhood, dehydration can result from... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... READ EXCERPTS »

Low birth weight
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

... Two groups of neonates are born weighing less than the normal minimum birth weight of 5½ lb (2,500 g)—those who are born prematurely (before the 37th week of gestation) and those who are small for gestational age (SGA). The... Emergency Interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Weight loss, excessive
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

... Weight loss can reflect decreased food intake, decreased food absorption, increased metabolic requirements, or a combination of the three. It may be caused by endocrine, neoplastic, GI, and... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... READ EXCERPTS »

Anorexia
(The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)

... Shawn H. Blanchard and Scott A. Fields Anorexia is defined as the lack or loss of appetite, which can lead to unintentional weight loss. Interestingly,... Approach. ... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Depression
(The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)

... Jeffrey M. Lyness Depression is a major public health problem because of its high prevalence and attendant morbidity and mortality. Although commonly seen in primary care settings, too often it goes unrecognized... Approach. ... History and mental status examination (MSE) ... Physical examination. ... Testing. ... Diagnostic assessment ... READ EXCERPTS »

Weight Loss
(The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)

... David B. Graham Involuntary weight loss is a challenging problem, often surrounded with fears by both patient and physician of an occult malignancy. Although... Approach. ... History: Initial data ... Basic physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment. ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Nausea and Vomiting
(The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)

... Eric M. Walsh Approach Nausea and vomiting are common presenting complaints in office practice. An effective diagnostic approach will consider causes both within the gastrointestinal (GI... History. ... Physical examination. ... Testing. ... Diagnostic assessment ... READ EXCERPTS »

Depression
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)

... Differential Overview ❑ Dysthymia ❑ Major depression ❑ Adjustment disorder with... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Loss of Appetite
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)

... Differential Overview ❑ Depression ❑ Drugs ❑ Anorexia nervosa ❑... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... READ EXCERPTS »

Involuntary Weight Loss
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)

... Differential Overview ❑ Diabetes ❑ Depression ❑ Inadequate intake ❑ Drugs ❑... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Nausea/Vomiting
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)

... Differential Overview Presenting Symptom ❑ Gastroesophageal reflux ❑ Pregnancy ❑ Psychogenic ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... READ EXCERPTS »

Depression, major
(Handbook of Diseases)

... Also known as unipolar disorder, major depression is a syndrome of persistently sad, dysphoric mood accompanied by disturbances in sleep and appetite, lethargy, and an inability to... Causes ... Signs and symptoms ... Diagnosis ... Treatment ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Anorexia nervosa
(Handbook of Diseases)

... The key feature of anorexia nervosa is self-imposed starvation resulting from a distorted body image and an intense and irrational fear of gaining weight, even when the patient is obviously emaciated. An anorexic patient is... Causes ... Signs and symptoms ... Diagnosis ... Treatment ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Anorexia
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

... Anorexia, a lack of appetite in the presence of a physiologic need for food, is a common symptom of GI and endocrine disorders and is characteristic of certain severe psychological... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Nausea
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

... Nausea is a sensation of profound revulsion to food or of impending vomiting. Commonly accompanied by such autonomic signs as hypersalivation, diaphoresis, tachycardia, pallor, and tachypnea,... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Weight gain, excessive
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

... Weight gain occurs when ingested calories exceed body requirements for energy, causing increased adipose tissue storage. It can also occur when fluid retention causes edema. When weight gain results from overeating,... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Weight loss, excessive
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

... Weight loss can reflect decreased food intake, decreased food absorption, increased metabolic requirements, or a combination of the three. Its causes include endocrine, neoplastic, GI, and psychiatric disorders; nutritional deficiencies;... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Growth Deficiency: Weight and Height
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)

...Impaired weight gain and linear growth arecommon problems in the pediatric population and can occur separatelyor together. Disorders that significantly affect weight gain alsomay affect linear growth. ... Clinical Features and Diagnosis ... Diagnostic Approach ... References ... READ EXCERPTS »

Anorexia
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

... Anorexia, a lack of appetite in the presence of a physiologic need for food, is a common symptom of GI and endocrine disorders and is characteristic of certain psychological disturbances such as anorexia... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Nausea
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

... Nausea is a sensation of profound revulsion to food or of impending vomiting. Typically accompanied by autonomic signs, such as hypersalivation, diaphoresis, tachycardia, pallor, and tachypnea, it's closely... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »

Weight gain, excessive
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

... Weight gain occurs when ingested calories exceed body requirements for energy, causing increased adipose tissue storage. It can also occur when fluid retention causes edema. When weight gain results from overeating,... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »

Fontanel depression
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

... Depression of the anterior fontanel below the surrounding bony ridges of the skull is a sign of dehydration. A common disorder of infancy and early childhood, dehydration can result from insufficient fluid intake, but... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »

Low birth weight
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

... Two groups of neonates are born weighing less than the normal minimum birth weight of 51⁄2 lb (2,500 g)—those who are born prematurely (before 37 weeks' gestation) and those... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Weight loss, excessive
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

... Weight loss can reflect decreased food intake, decreased food absorption, increased metabolic requirements, or a combination of the three. Its causes include endocrine, neoplastic, GI, and psychiatric disorders;... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

WEIGHT LOSS
(Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)

... As noted in Table 62, the diagnostic analysis of weight loss is best accomplished by applying physiology. Food and oxygen must be properly and regularly brought into the body (intake), properly absorbed and... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND OTHER ABNORMAL PSYCHIC STATES
(Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)

... It is simple enough to administer a sedative and refer the emotionally distressed patient to a psychiatrist, but the astute diagnostician will want to rule out an organic disease first. Almost ... READ EXCERPTS »

NAUSEA AND VOMITING
(Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)

... These two should be considered together, because nausea is just a forme fruste of vomiting. This symptom lends itself well to anatomic analysis, particularly by the target method... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

ANOREXIA
(Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)

... Physiology is the most appropriate basic science to use in developing a list of the causes of anorexia. A good appetite depends on a psychic desire for food; a happy GI tract that is secreting hydrochloric acid,... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »

Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.


 » Next page: Loss of autonomic activity

Rate This Website

What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:

Website User Survey

Medical Tools & Articles:

Tools & Services:

Medical Articles:

Forums & Message Boards

 
HONcode We subscribe to the HONcode principles

By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.

Home | Symptoms | Diseases | Diagnosis | Videos | Tools | Forum | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map | Advertise