Is my reduced appetite and fullness a digestive problem?

Question

Hello doctor,

So I believe I have been dealing with a digestive issue where sometimes I do not have an appetite, and it is difficult for me to try to eat anything. Eating anything makes me feel either nauseous or full when I have barely eaten anything.

It originally happened around a few months ago and subsided after a few months when I started drinking ensure to help keep nutrients in my body, and slowly worked my way back to eating food. I cut out fried foods and foods high in grease and made sure to incorporate healthier options into my diet.

Now, over the past week, I have started to feel the same way, with reduced appetite and energy. It might be a flare-up again, and I don't know what direction to go in.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

I can understand how frustrating it can be to see a problem recur after putting in so much effort with discipline. From what you have described in detail, it looks like you have dyspepsia (a recurring pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen), or it could even point toward irritable bowel syndrome (IBS, a common, chronic functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract).

You initially responded very well to dietary modifications, which is a good sign. Your recurrence now may be due to triggers like stress or even the slightest digestive imbalance.

I suggest baseline investigations, including CBC (complete blood count), thyroid function test, RFT (renal function test), electrolytes, LFT (liver function test), vitamin B12 levels, and iron studies.

As far as diet is concerned, take small, frequent meals instead of a single large meal, and avoid fatty foods, as you have done in the past. Medications like Rifaximin 400 mg twice a day, appetite stimulants like Cyproheptadine, and Domperidone for nausea or vomiting may provide benefit. Kindly consult your doctor and take medicines accordingly.

If you continue to have symptoms, a detailed gastrointestinal evaluation, including abdominal imaging and endoscopy (a 15-minute diagnostic procedure using a flexible tube with a camera), may be warranted.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.