Loss of Appetite and Nausea: Seeking Medical Guidance for Symptoms

Loss of appetite and nausea upon eating?

I would like to ask why I have been experiencing a loss of appetite and nausea whenever I eat.
I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy on November 30, 2023, which was normal, and a colonoscopy on December 12, 2023, which was also normal.
What could be the cause of these symptoms? Which specialist should I consult? Thank you.

Awei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/21

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, if you continue to experience gastrointestinal symptoms, it is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment.
If the symptoms are not due to gastrointestinal or hepatobiliary causes, a referral to a neurologist or endocrinologist may be necessary, as well as consideration of psychosomatic disorders, which can also present with these symptoms.
Please note that online consultations do not equate to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2024/01/21

More Info

Loss of appetite and nausea can be distressing symptoms that significantly impact your quality of life. Given that you have undergone both an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy) and a colonoscopy recently, and both tests returned normal results, it is essential to consider other potential causes for your symptoms.

There are numerous reasons why you might be experiencing these symptoms, even with normal gastrointestinal examinations. Some common causes include:
1. Gastrointestinal Disorders: While your recent endoscopies were normal, conditions like gastritis, peptic ulcers, or functional dyspepsia can sometimes be missed during these procedures. These conditions can lead to nausea and a reduced appetite.

2. Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly affect appetite and lead to nausea. If you have been experiencing increased stress or emotional difficulties, it might be worthwhile to explore these aspects with a mental health professional.

3. Medications: If you are currently taking any medications, it is important to review them with your healthcare provider. Some medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and loss of appetite.

4. Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms. Even if your endoscopic evaluations were normal, a transient infection could still be the culprit.

5. Metabolic or Endocrine Issues: Conditions such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, or adrenal insufficiency can also lead to changes in appetite and nausea. Blood tests can help evaluate these potential issues.

6. Food Intolerances or Allergies: Sometimes, specific food intolerances or allergies can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and loss of appetite. Keeping a food diary may help identify any correlations between what you eat and your symptoms.

Given the complexity of your symptoms and the normal findings from your recent tests, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare provider who specializes in gastrointestinal disorders, such as a gastroenterologist. They can perform further evaluations, including blood tests, imaging studies, or even additional endoscopic procedures if necessary, to rule out any underlying conditions that may not have been detected in your previous examinations.

In the meantime, here are some general recommendations to help manage your symptoms:
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids, especially if you are not eating well. Dehydration can exacerbate feelings of nausea.

- Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of large meals, try eating small amounts of food more frequently throughout the day. This can sometimes help reduce nausea.

- Avoid Trigger Foods: Pay attention to foods that seem to worsen your symptoms and try to avoid them.

- Relaxation Techniques: If stress or anxiety is a factor, consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

In summary, while your recent gastrointestinal evaluations were normal, there are various other factors that could be contributing to your loss of appetite and nausea. Consulting a gastroenterologist would be a prudent next step to explore these symptoms further and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

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