What should you know about sudden loss of appetite and feeling full?

Feeling full after only a small amount may occur when the stomach is irritated or its movement is altered. Gastritis or a Peptic Ulcer can cause upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, or burning. Gastroenteritis, Influenza, COVID-19, or Hepatitis A may reduce appetite while the body is unwell. Depression can change appetite and enjoyment of food. Persistent early fullness, vomiting, pain, jaundice, or unexplained weight loss needs assessment because less common causes, including Pancreatic Cancer, can also affect appetite.

Take small, frequent sips of fluid and choose small nourishing meals if tolerated. Keep a note of intake, vomiting, bowel changes, pain, fever, urine colour, and whether foods trigger symptoms. Avoid alcohol and medicines that irritate your stomach unless a clinician has prescribed them. Arrange medical advice if you cannot maintain fluids, symptoms continue, or you are eating much less than usual.

Seek urgent care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds, black stools, faintness, confusion, severe dehydration, or yellow skin or eyes. Prompt review is also needed for persistent early fullness, progressive weakness, or unplanned weight loss. Children, older adults, and people with significant medical conditions may become dehydrated quickly.

Ask whether your symptoms fit an infection, stomach inflammation, medicine effect, mood change, or another cause, and whether testing is needed. Mention recent travel, sick contacts, alcohol, pain location, stool or urine changes, vomiting, weight change, and all medicines.