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Aversion to food or drink

Definition

Aversion to food or drink is turning away from or rejection anything to eat or drink.

Alternative Names

Avoiding food and drink.

Synopsis

Aversion to food and drink can be a temporary response to a benign illness, as with the common cold, or a response to a complex interaction of physical, mental and behavioral issues. While it is normal to experience a loss of appetite with certain conditions, when aversion to food and drink results in significant weight loss and nutritional deficits, it is important to seek medical advice. Failure-to-thrive can be life-threatening if a person does not take in enough food and water.

Associated Diagnoses

• AIDS
• Major depression
• Acute pancreatitis
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Anorexia nervosa
• Botulism
• Cancer of the colon
• Cancer of the esophagus
• Common cold
• Colitis
• Pancreatic cancer
• Intestinal obstruction
• Crohn’s disease
• Maple syrup urine disease
• Gall bladder inflammation
• First trimester pregnancy
• Failure-to-thrive

Diagnosis and Treatment

A complete history and physical will be necessary. Laboratory studies and x-rays may be needed. Treatment will depend on the underlying condition.

Call your provider when:

Aversion to food and water persists beyond 24 hours.

Written by: JC Jones MA, RN, Reviewed by: Paul Auerbach, MD , Written: October 2, 2007, Last Updated: October 31, 2007, Published By: Healthline Networks Inc.