No appetite, nausea and fatigue

Nausea can reduce food and fluid intake, and that reduced intake may add to tiredness. A short illness may cause all three symptoms, but reflux, gastritis, coeliac disease, anaemia, kidney disease, COVID-19, alcohol-related illness, burnout and chronic fatigue syndrome can also have overlapping features. The timing, associated symptoms and medical history help separate these possibilities.

Sip fluids regularly and try small, frequent meals rather than a large plate. Choose foods with useful energy and protein when tolerated, and keep foods cool if cooking smells worsen nausea. Rest, but continue gentle activity as energy allows. Record when symptoms occur, your fluid intake, urine, bowel changes, sleep, medicines and any fever or pain. Avoid alcohol and do not stop prescribed treatment without medical advice.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal or chest pain, blood in vomit or stool, yellow skin or eyes, difficulty breathing or very little urine. Book an assessment when symptoms last, recur, interfere with daily activities, or come with weight loss, fever, persistent diarrhoea or new swelling. Seek earlier advice during pregnancy or with diabetes, kidney disease or reduced immunity.

Ask whether your symptoms warrant blood, urine or other tests, and how to maintain nutrition and hydration safely. Share your symptom timeline, recent infections, diet, sleep, alcohol intake and every medicine or supplement you use.