What causes nausea and loss of appetite?

We require energy from food every day; therefore, regardless of whether we feel hungry, we should consume something to meet our body’s normal physiological needs. Of course, some individuals experience a lack of appetite. Although this is a very common phenomenon, it is important to identify the underlying cause. So, what causes nausea and loss of appetite?

What Causes Nausea and Loss of Appetite?

Nausea accompanied by loss of appetite may stem from conditions such as chronic gastric disorders, pregnancy-related nausea (morning sickness), pyloric obstruction, or acute laryngitis. Further diagnostic testing is necessary to determine the precise cause, followed by targeted treatment. Chronic superficial gastritis, atrophic gastritis, and gastric ulcers—conditions involving gastric mucosal injury and delayed gastric emptying—can manifest with symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and anorexia. In such cases, patients may benefit from consuming easily digestible foods like rice porridge and clear soups, along with medications such as omeprazole, bismuth potassium citrate, and Xingshu capsules.

If routine blood tests reveal normal white blood cell and neutrophil counts, the condition is likely viral acute gastritis. Treatment is primarily symptomatic and may include prokinetic agents such as domperidone, mosapride, or itopride, as well as digestive enzyme supplements and vitamin B complex. Conversely, if blood tests show elevated white blood cell and neutrophil counts, bacterial acute gastritis is suspected. In such cases, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapy—such as ceftriaxone or levofloxacin—may be prescribed; effective antimicrobial treatment typically leads to rapid symptom relief.

Patients are advised to visit a hospital for comprehensive laboratory testing—including complete blood count—and imaging studies such as abdominal ultrasound. We hope this information proves helpful.