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