Anorexia (symptom) 42795 212989039 2008-05-17T05:44:06Z Arcadian 104523 mesh {{dablink|This article is about the symptom of decreased appetite. For the eating disorder, please see [[Anorexia nervosa]].}} {{expand|article|date=May 2007}} {{SignSymptom infobox | Name = Anorexia | ICD10 = {{ICD10|R|63|0|r|50}} | ICD9 = {{ICD9|783.0}} | MeshID = D000855 | }} '''Anorexia''' (deriving from the [[Greek language|Greek]] "α(ν)-" (''a(n)-'', a prefix that denotes absence) + "όρεξη'' (orexe)</i> = appetite) is the decreased sensation of [[appetite]]. While the term in non-scientific publications is often used interchangeably with one of its causes, [[anorexia nervosa]], there are many possible causes for a decreased appetite, some of which may be harmless while others pose significant risk for the person. ==Causes== The most common form of anorexia is simply [[satiety|satiation]] following the consumption of food. This happens in all normal humans and is called '''postprandial anorexia'''. Disorders that cause (harmful) anorexia include [[anorexia nervosa]], severe [[clinical depression|depression]], [[cancer]], [[Crohn's Disease]], [[Ulcerative Colitis]], [[dementia]], [[AIDS]], [[Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome]], [[Acute Radiation Syndrome]], and [[chronic renal failure]] and the use of certain drugs, particularly [[stimulants]] and [[narcotics]] such as cocaine and heroin. Environmentally induced disorders such as [[altitude sickness]] can also trigger an acute form of anorexia. Anorexia may also be seen in [[congestive heart failure]], perhaps due to congestion of the [[liver]] with [[venous blood]]. Although the [[presenting symptom]] (the one which prompts a patient to seek medical attention) in [[appendicitis|acute appendicitis]] is [[abdominal pain]], patients virtually always experience anorexia as well, possibly accompanied by an early episode of [[vomiting]]. Some medications, [[antidepressants]] for example, can have anorexia as a side effect. Most notoriously, however, chemicals that are a member of the [[phenethylamine]] family are known to have more intense anorectic properties. For this reason, many individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa may seek to use these medications to suppress appetite. Such prescription medications include [[Ritalin]], [[Adderall]], [[Dexedrine]], and [[Desoxyn]]. In some cases, these medications are prescribed to patients prior to undergoing an operation requiring general anesthesia. This is a prophylactic measure taken to ensure no food will back up into the esophagus and cause the patient to stop breathing during the procedure. {{General symptoms and signs}} {{Common Cold}} [[Category:Symptoms]] [[Category:Digestive disease symptoms]] [[bg:Анорексия (симптом)]] [[ca:Anorèxia]] [[de:Anorexie]] [[es:Anorexia]] [[eu:Anorexia]] [[fr:Anorexie]] [[io:Anorexio]] [[it:Anoressia]] [[nl:Anorexie]] [[pt:Anorexia (sintoma)]] [[sl:Anoreksija]] [[tr:Anoreksi]]