What Causes Loss of Appetite?

Loss of appetite is a frequently observed clinical symptom in the course of various diseases. In this regard, loss of appetite may be observed in children who develop the following health problems:

• Upper respiratory tract infections such as cold, flu, pharyngitis,
• Lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis,
• urinary tract infections,
• Gastrointestinal inflammations such as gastritis or gastroenteritis,
• Rash diseases or viral infections of childhood,
• Hormone problems such as hypothyroidism,
• Kidney and liver diseases or failures,
• Infections of internal organs such as hepatitis,
• Severe weakness due to malnutrition,
• Endocrine diseases in which metabolism is disrupted, such as diabetes,
• Mood disorders such as depression,
• Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa

Loss of Appetite What to Do?

There is no treatment aimed solely at directly eliminating anorexia. Elimination of loss of appetite is possible by treating the disease causing the problem. For this reason, first of all, the disease that progresses with anorexia should be diagnosed correctly and the appropriate treatment should be planned accordingly.

While struggling with the problem of anorexia, it is very important that nutrition in children is not disrupted and that it is supported appropriately. If there is loss of fluid and food through vomiting and diarrhea along with loss of appetite due to gastrointestinal problems, the child may need to be hospitalized and receive intravenous treatment in order to avoid malnutrition. In cases of anorexia due to other diseases such as infections, it may be necessary to support nutrition with additional food, food or nutritious solutions in addition to the treatment of the underlying disease. In cases of anorexia due to underlying diseases, it is essential to apply specific treatment of the diseases. If bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection is the causative agent in infectious diseases, antibiotic treatment must be started. Since viral infections are often self-limiting and effective antiviral therapy is limited, they can be followed with supportive therapy.

In case of gastrointestinal problems, surgical treatment methods may be considered along with drug treatment. In cases associated with hormonal disorders, initiation of appropriate endocrinological treatment is effective. In psychological disorders such as depression or anocresia nervosa, it is essential to be evaluated by a psychiatrist and initiate appropriate psychiatric treatment.


Biochemical substances that cause loss of appetite are often the product of inflammatory reactions that occur during the course of the disease. Therefore, using medications that reduce inflammation may help regain appetite in children. During the disease process, symptoms such as high fever, weakness and fatigue in the child may indicate inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce fever and reduce inflammation may be effective in treatment. Again, supporting the child's nutrition is important in terms of regaining body resistance and improving appetite.

Simple measures that can be taken at home for children who show signs of loss of appetite and are picky eaters may be useful in supporting nutrition. Some of these measures include feeding children frequently and in small portions, feeding them together with other members of the family and making it a habit, not feeding the child before complete hunger occurs, and reducing snacking. For parents who continue to have problems, getting help from a pediatrician and pediatric dietitian can make important contributions to solving the problem.