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Excessive hunger
describes an abnormally strong desire or need to eat. This can be normal
or related to an underlying medical condition.
Causes and Risks - There
are many possible causes for excessive hunger. These include:
* increased exercise, which can increase
the body's food requirements.
* growth spurt. Just before or during a period of rapid growth, a
person's appetite increases to ensure that the body has
enough food to support this growth. This is common in infants and
adolescents.
* hormone imbalances. A high level of thyroid hormone, called
hyperthyroidism or a high level of adrenal hormones, called hyperadrenalism, can cause excess hunger. Some women may have this
condition due to hormone changes that occur during
pregnancy or at certain times during the menstrual cycle.
* uncontrolled diabetes. This is a condition that causes increased blood
sugar levels which trigger increased appetite.
* depression. This condition often causes a decrease in appetite.
However, it can cause excessive hunger in some cases.
* bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder that most commonly affects young
women. This disorder causes short, intense periods of
hunger that usually result in eating binges.
* certain drugs or medications. The use of antihistamines, steroids,
marijuana, or large amounts of alcohol can cause excess
hunger. Withdrawal from cocaine or amphetamine can also cause this
condition.
* damage to an area of the brain called the hypothalamus. This is a rare
condition. Symptoms & Signs
: When a person complains of an excessive amount of hunger, the
healthcare provider will want to know:
* when the problem started.
* whether the hunger is constant or occurs only at certain times.
* how much the person eats daily.
* whether the person has increased or decreased the amount of food he or
she eats each day.
* whether the person's weight has changed.
* how much the person exercises.
* whether the person has had any change of mood or emotional problems.
* whether the person any excessive guilt related to eating.
* whether the person is engaging in purging types of behavior such as
intentionally throwing up after eating.
* what other medical conditions the person may have.
* what medications, drugs, or herbs a person may be taking.
* whether the person is having any other symptoms
Diagnosis & Tests
: The healthcare
provider will first take a medical history and perform a physical exam.
This may be all that is needed to determine the cause. In other cases,
further testing is needed.
The tests used will depend on the suspected cause. Blood tests are
commonly done. For example, a blood glucose level can be used to detect
diabetes. A series of blood tests called thyroid function tests can
detect hyperthyroidism. A toxicology screen of the blood or urine can
detect illegal drug use. An x-ray test called a cranial CT may be done
if brain damage is suspected.
Prevention & Expectations
: Prevention is often not possible. Avoiding
the drug can prevent cases due to drug abuse. Taking medications as
prescribed and
checking blood sugars regularly can prevent some cases due to diabetes.
Some people with excessive hunger may gain weight. Others may lose
weight in spite of eating more. This is the case for people with
hyperthyroidism. Other long-term effects are related to the cause of the
problem. Growth spurts in children and normal and have no long-term
effects. Depression may result in an inability to work or interact with
others. It sometimes leads people to commit suicide. Uncontrolled
diabetes can cause damage to many bodily organs and even death.
Excessive hunger is not contagious and poses no risks to others.
Treatment & Monitoring
: Treatment
is directed at the cause. For example, an individual with diabetes may
use insulin injections or other medications
to control blood sugar levels. A person with hyperthyroidism may be
treated with medications, surgery, or radioactive therapy. Someone who
abuses drugs may need drug rehabilitation. A person with bulimia or
depression may be treated with
psychotherapy. Medications such as fluoxetine and sertraline may be used
as well.
Side effects depend on the treatments used. For example, medications can
cause allergic reactions, stomach upset or
headaches. Specific side effects depend on the medications used. Surgery
carries a risk of bleeding and infection.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Someone experiencing increased hunger due to pregnancy or a growth spurt
needs no further treatment. An individual with
diabetes needs lifelong monitoring and treatment. Someone who stops
abusing drugs may no longer experience excessive hunger.
Any changes or response to treatment can be reported to the healthcare
provider. Other monitoring is related to the cause. For example, someone
with diabetes needs to check blood sugars levels every day.
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