Causes of persistent anorexia: methods of diagnosis and treatment
Loss of appetite from time to time is not a cause for concern, but if the matter turns into an eating disorder, the matter requires standing on What are the causes of anorexia? How to treat this disease?
Anorexia
Some people may suffer from weakness or loss of appetite resulting from some psychological or physical causes. However, anorexia differs from anorexia nervosa, which may lead to a life-threatening deterioration in the patient’s health.
anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a serious psychological condition that leads to an eating disorder, which may result in severe health damage that threatens the patient’s life.
Where people with anorexia nervosa suffer from a loss of the ability to eat the amounts of food that the body needs. This may result in severe weight loss and malnutrition, to the point where admission to the hospital may be required for treatment.
Symptoms of anorexia nervosa are:
Causes of temporary anorexia
Anyone may suffer from a loss of appetite from time to time, and this may be due to several reasons, some of which may be psychological and others may be physical. Loss of appetite may be due to some temporary factors such as:
Loss of appetite caused by a severe illness
It is considered a chronic disease that may lead to anorexia:
Diagnostic methods
The doctor will ask a series of questions, such as:
- apparent symptoms
- The person’s medical history
- How much weight did you lose?
- If you are taking certain types of medicines
- If you have been under stress lately
As the doctor may ask Do some tests In order to find out the causes of anorexia such as:
- Ultrasound test
- Complete blood count examination
- Tests for liver, kidney, and thyroid function
- X-rays to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine
- CT scan of the head, abdomen, or chest
- A urine test to look for traces of medication
Anorexia treatment
Treatment depends on finding out the underlying cause of the loss of appetite. Among the treatment methods:
- The doctor may prescribe some medications to open the appetite, and he may also prescribe antidepressants if the person suffers from a severe mental condition.
- Enjoy eating among family members in order to open the appetite.
- Going out to eat at a restaurant with friends to encourage eating.
- Eat several small meals throughout the day.
- Eating just one large meal may also be beneficial.
- Doing light exercise to open the appetite.
- Make sure to eat meals rich in protein and calories.
- If the loss of appetite is caused by taking certain medications, the doctor may order a change in the dose or type of medication.
Complications of being late for treatment
- If anorexia continues for more than a few weeks without treatment, it may result in some complications such as vitamin and electrolyte deficiencies and malnutrition, which may cause more severe symptoms such as:
- Weight loss
- heart rate
- fever
- irritability
- General feeling of illness
- Feeling very tired and malaise
And if you suffer from symptoms of anorexia for a long period of time, such as a few weeks, it is best to consult a doctor to find out the reasons.