A loss of appetite or a general malaise can be the uncomfortable side effects of many illnesses and medical conditions. An overall loss of appetite can be triggered by anything from psychological distress to a new medication you are taking. Feelings of malaise or discomfort can be felt in conjunction with appetite loss or as an isolated symptom. To pinpoint an exact cause, you should seek medical attention from your physician or health care provider.
Disease
In some cases, if you have an underlying medical problem or disease, some of the initial symptoms may include an overall feeling of malaise and a loss of appetite. A loss of appetite that leads to weight loss could be an indication of depression, anemia, kidney disease, liver disorders and certain types of cancer. If you have had any type of chest pain or shortness of breath, malaise and a loss of appetite could accompany medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart disease. While diabetes has an array of symptoms such as frequent urination, weight loss, increased thirst, and tiredness, you may also feel out of sorts or have weakness in which your body tells you something is wrong.
Pregnancy
Some women have minimal to no symptoms throughout the course of their pregnancy, while others may experience unsettling symptoms. During the first trimester, morning sickness is one of the most common side effects of pregnancy. Along with nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness and tiredness, you may experience a general malaise or just not feel like you have energy to do some day-to-day tasks. You may feel drained and have flulike symptoms. A loss of appetite is common because of nausea and an unsettled stomach. Most of these symptoms pass by the fourth month of pregnancy, while some can last longer. Mention the symptoms to your doctor at your next visit to assure your pregnancy is healthy.
Gastrointestinal
If you find yourself with a sudden loss of appetite and you are feeling ill, the problem could be within your gastrointestinal system. Your doctor will start off with a physical exam and possibly blood work to rule out any problems with your digestive system. Your gallbladder and pancreas can cause you to feel ill and produce flulike symptoms when there is a problem. Generally stomach pain and discomfort is associated with issues related to the gallbladder, stomach and pancreas. Diarrhea and vomiting may also accompany severe problems that are related to diverticulitis, parasitic infestations and some forms of cancer.
Medications
If you are under a physician's care and you were recently prescribed a new medication, your feelings of malaise and appetite loss could be a drug side effect. While you should never discontinue any prescribed medication abruptly, take note of the side effects and when the feelings of tiredness or lack of appetite appear. In some cases the medications, may just need to be adjusted. Types of medications with these side effects include antihistamines, beta blockers, anti-seizure medications, depression medications, narcotics and psychiatric medications.
Member Comments