POLYPHAGIA
Ask the Following Questions:
- Is there associated polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss? The presence of these symptoms would suggest diabetes mellitus or hyperthyroidism.
- Is there associated weight gain? This symptom would indicate that the patient has an insulinoma, Cushing's disease, or idiopathic obesity.
- Is there associated anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems? These symptoms would signal that the polyphagia is related to bulimia, hysteria, or other psychic disorder.
- Is there associated diarrhea? This would suggest the disorder is related to a malabsorption syndrome, intestinal bypass, or GI fistula.
DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
The basic workup of polyphagia should include a CBC, sedimentation rate, chemistry panel, thyroid profile, and stool for ovum and parasites.
If diabetes mellitus is suspected, a glucose tolerance test may be done. If Cushing's disease is suspected, a serum free cortisol should be done. If an insulinoma is suspected, plasma insulin or C-peptide levels may be done, or the patient may be hospitalized for a 72-hr fast with frequent blood sugar determinations. If hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, insulinoma, and intestinal disorders have been ruled out, a referral to a psychiatrist would be indicated.
Book Source Details
- Book Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
- Author(s): R. Douglas Collins
- Year of Publication: 2003
- Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Other Book Chapters Related to Excessive hunger
Read excerpts from these other book chapters related to Excessive hunger:
Medical Books Excerpts
- POLYPHAGIA
- "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
- [ read ]
- Polyphagia
- "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
- [ read ]
Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.
More About Causes of Excessive hunger
» Next page: Polyphagia (In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
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:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
- Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
