What should you know about dehydration and loss of appetite?

Loss of appetite may happen with nausea, fever, pain, altered taste, low mood or an infection. Dehydration may then follow when drinks are also reduced, with thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, tiredness or dark urine. Gastroenteritis, influenza and COVID-19 can include appetite loss, while gastritis or a peptic ulcer may cause upper-abdominal discomfort. Appetite loss can also accompany depression or other medical conditions.

Prioritise frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. Try small, bland portions when tolerated, and choose nourishing foods you can manage rather than forcing a large meal. Keep a note of fluids, urine output, vomiting, bowel symptoms, fever and weight change. Avoid alcohol and seek advice before using appetite stimulants or supplements.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange medical review if appetite remains low, dehydration signs continue, swallowing is difficult, or there is unexplained weight loss, jaundice, persistent vomiting or low mood affecting daily life.

Ask which symptoms should be tested and whether medicines, infection, stomach inflammation, mood or another condition could be involved. Share your food and fluid intake, urine changes, recent illness, abdominal symptoms and any unintentional weight change.