What should I do if I'm hungry but have no appetite?

Oct 13, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
If you feel hungry but have no appetite, the treatment depends on the underlying cause. In cases of indigestion, medications that enhance gastrointestinal motility can be used, such as mosapride or domperidone. For gastritis, treatment may include drugs that inhibit gastric acid secretion combined with gastric mucosal protectants. In the case of gastric ulcers, medications that protect the gastric mucosa—such as potassium citrate bismuth or basic bismuth carbonate tablets—can be used.

Management of feeling hungry yet having no appetite depends on the underlying cause. Common causes include indigestion, gastritis, and gastric ulcers.

1. Indigestion

If hunger accompanied by loss of appetite is due to slowed gastrointestinal motility leading to poor digestion, medications that enhance gastrointestinal movement may be used under a doctor's guidance. Commonly prescribed drugs include mosapride and domperidone.

2. Gastritis

If gastritis results from overeating, consuming unclean or spoiled food, treatment may involve medications that suppress gastric acid secretion, as recommended by a physician. Commonly used drugs include omeprazole and lansoprazole. Additionally, gastric mucosal protectants such as colloidal bismuth pectin or aluminum hydroxide gel may be used in combination.

3. Gastric Ulcer

If a gastric ulcer is caused by long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or infection with Helicobacter pylori, medications that protect the gastric mucosa should be taken as directed by a doctor. Examples include potassium citrate bismuth and basic bismuth carbonate tablets.


Related Articles

View All