What should you know about POTS loss of appetite?

Nausea, abdominal discomfort, fatigue or symptoms after meals can make food less appealing. Some people eat less because sitting upright is difficult or because symptoms make larger meals uncomfortable. Loss of appetite is not specific to POTS: COVID-19, Influenza, Gastroenteritis, Gastritis, Peptic Ulcer, Hepatitis A, Depression and Pancreatic Cancer can also present with reduced appetite, especially when other symptoms are present.

A clinician may ask about weight change, vomiting, bowel movements, pain, fever, mood, medicines and alcohol. Mention how long the change has lasted and whether fluids are easier than solid food.

Try small, frequent meals in a comfortable position, and choose nourishing foods you tolerate. Keep fluids available and take them in line with advice for your heart, kidneys and blood pressure. A symptom and food diary can reveal whether heat, posture, meal size or particular foods trigger nausea. Do not start restrictive diets or supplements without guidance.

Arrange a review for appetite loss that persists, causes unplanned weight loss, or comes with ongoing nausea, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea or marked fatigue. Seek urgent help for vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, yellow skin or eyes, confusion, fainting, or inability to keep fluids down.

Ask whether your medicines, meal pattern or upright symptoms could be contributing, and whether blood tests or a nutrition review are needed. Ask what fluid and meal plan fits your other health conditions.