Loss of appetite in children is one of the problems parents face when they notice their child refusing to eat, even their favorite foods, or eating only small amounts insufficient for healthy growth.
This affects the child's concentration and health and can be caused by psychological, organic, or behavioral factors. Symptoms typically appear in children between the ages of six months and three years.
What is loss of appetite in children
It is a condition in which a child refuses to eat or eats less than usual for an extended period. This leads to weakness, weight loss, and reduced activity compared to children of the same age.
Causes of loss of appetite in children
The causes of a child's loss of appetite vary and may be psychological, behavioral, or medical. These include:
- Stress and anxiety.
- Sore throat and tonsillitis.
- After receiving vaccinations.
- Eating sweets before meals.
- Jealousy due to the arrival of a new baby.
- Having an allergy to a specific food.
- Mouth ulcers and teething.
What are the symptoms of loss of appetite in children
The symptoms of loss of appetite in children include:
- Weight loss and slow growth.
- Refusal to eat.
- Lethargy.
- Pale complexion.
- Mood swings.
- Developmental delays.
- Poor concentration.
How is loss of appetite in children diagnosed
The doctor diagnoses loss of appetite in a child by examining the child, measuring their weight, and comparing it to the normal weight for children of the same age.
The doctor will then ask the parents about the child's feeding habits and the duration of the loss of appetite, and order blood tests to check for anemia. If any organic cause is ruled out, the child's psychological state is assessed.
Complications of Loss of Appetite in Children
A child may experience complications due to loss of appetite if parents do not notice the symptoms or if there is a delay in diagnosis and treatment, including:
- Weakened immune system.
- Poor physical growth.
- Constipation.
- Delayed motor and mental development.
- Constant fatigue.
- Deficiency in important vitamins and nutrients.
- Digestive disorders and stomach pain.
Methods of Treating Loss of Appetite in Children
There are several ways to treat loss of appetite in children, depending on the underlying cause, including:
- Establishing regular meal times.
- Presenting food in an appealing way to the child.
- Taking appetite-stimulating medications and supplements.
- Avoiding forcing the child to eat.
- Avoiding eating sweets between meals.
- Treating any underlying medical condition, such as a sore throat.
- Consulting a nutritionist to develop a suitable nutrition plan for the child.
Medications to Treat Loss of Appetite in Children
It is preferable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using appetite-stimulating medications to determine the appropriate type and dosage for each child, depending on their condition. These medications include:
- Bostin syrup.
- Diginorm syrup.
- Digestin syrup.
- Appetimax syrup.
- Neo Digestin syrup.
Foods That Help Increase a Child's Appetite
Foods that increase a child's appetite and contain important nutrients for their growth can be offered, such as:
- Yogurt.
- Nuts.
- Dates and honey.
- Natural juices.
- All types of fruits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Loss of Appetite in Children
When is loss of appetite dangerous in children
Loss of appetite is dangerous if it persists for a long time, in addition to the child's weight loss, physical weakness, and the appearance of worrying symptoms.
What diseases cause loss of appetite in children
There are several illnesses that can cause a child to lose their appetite, such as anemia, sore throat and tonsillitis, thyroid disorders, or digestive problems.
What can increase a child's appetite
A child's appetite can be increased by offering a variety of small meals and avoiding snacks before main mealtimes.
Article Summary
Loss of appetite in children is one of the problems that parents face with their child and occurs due to organic causes such as teething and vaccinations, or behavioral reasons such as eating too many sweets.
A child's appetite can be increased in several ways, such as regulating meal times, giving the child appetite-stimulating medications, and avoiding excessive consumption of sweets.