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Diarrhea and no appetite: what should you know?

Where Loss of Appetite is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Loss of Appetite is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

Diarrhea with no appetite can follow infection or digestive irritation; focus on fluids, try small meals, and seek care for warning signs or ongoing symptoms.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

First priority
Replace lost fluids before trying to force a full meal.
Record
Drinking, urine, stool changes, fever, pain, and appetite.

Possible explanations

Gastroenteritis may cause loose stools, nausea, cramps, and reduced interest in food. Gastritis, food-related illness, medicine side effects, or a food intolerance can also upset digestion. COVID-19 and influenza may reduce appetite alongside fever, aches, cough, or other respiratory symptoms. Depression can change appetite and bowel habits, especially when low mood or loss of interest persists. Hepatitis A may cause nausea and appetite loss with marked tiredness or yellowing of the skin.

No appetite does not identify a single cause. Note whether you can drink, whether urine is becoming darker or less frequent, and whether symptoms are improving.

Practical steps

Sip water or oral rehydration fluid regularly. If food feels difficult, choose small portions such as soup, rice, toast, yoghurt, or a banana, as tolerated. Avoid alcohol, very fatty meals, and anything that reliably worsens diarrhea. Rest, wash hands well, and prepare food carefully for others.

Keep a simple symptom diary and review any recently started medicines with a pharmacist or doctor. Do not self-treat with antibiotics. If appetite stays low, arrange an assessment so hydration and nutrition can be checked.

Warning signs

Seek urgent care for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, very little urine, blood or black stool, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange a medical review if diarrhea persists, appetite does not return, or you develop fever, jaundice, or unintentional weight loss.

Useful questions

What causes fit my symptoms and recent exposures? How can I replace fluids safely? Should my medicines, hydration, weight, or nutrition be checked?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Should I force myself to eat?

Do not force large meals. Try small, gentle portions when tolerated while keeping up with fluids.

When does no appetite need a doctor?

Seek advice when poor intake persists, diarrhea continues, weight changes, or you cannot maintain fluids.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.