Cancer patients have no appetite, find out the 5 reasons behind it, and 3 types of drugs can help

Cancer cells proliferate rapidly and compete for nutrients for normal cells, and patients are often accompanied by weight loss. Coupled with the loss of appetite, the energy and nutrient intake in the body is insufficient, resulting in malnutrition, loss of body fat and muscle tissue, and decreased immunity. death risk. Cancer patients are prone to loss of appetite and anorexia, especially gastrointestinal tumors. What is the reason?

What are the reasons for the loss of appetite in cancer patients?

1. Tumors consume nutrients

Compared with normal cells, cancer cells proliferate rapidly and divide uncontrollably. During the proliferation process, energy and nutrients can be consumed in the body, which can easily lead to the lack of various nutrients in the body, such as iron, vitamin D and zinc, which in turn lead to patient Fatigue, no appetite, and reduced resistance.

2. Treatment affects appetite

No matter what kind of treatment method will bring more or less adverse reactions to the body. For example, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, etc.; radiotherapy can cause gastrointestinal mucosal damage and oral mucositis, and can also cause dry mouth, which in turn leads to loss of appetite and difficulty in eating, and intestinal digestion and absorption. Disorder occurs.

3. Adverse reactions of the tumor itself

Gastrointestinal tumors can easily lead to upper gastrointestinal obstruction, and can also cause retroperitoneal or mesoperitoneal metastasis, resulting in disturbance of gastrointestinal function. The main symptoms are local pain, difficulty breathing, and sleep disturbance. High nerve tension and depression, all of which can cause loss of appetite and nausea.

4. The tumor itself affects the mechanism of appetite regulation

Both the tumor tissue itself and the metabolic abnormalities caused by the tumor will trigger active substances such as interferon, interleukin, and tumor necrosis factor, which will lead to anorexia in patients.

5. Psychological factors

Almost every tumor patient will have various psychological problems, such as high tension, excessive fear and anxiety. If the bad psychology is not effectively regulated, it can affect the enthusiasm for eating, resulting in loss of appetite.

What drugs can help regulate appetite in cancer patients?

1. Progestin drugs

Progestin drugs can treat cachexia and extreme malnutrition, and effectively improve the patient's appetite and weight. However, be aware of side effects, such as deep vein thrombosis and water and sodium retention, which may also lead to sexual dysfunction and vaginal atrophy.

2. Glucocorticoids

A small amount of glucocorticoids can temporarily stimulate appetite. Since the side effects are too obvious, they cannot be used for a long time. They can be used in patients with advanced tumors, which can prolong the survival period and improve the quality of life.

3. Gastrointestinal motility drugs

Gastrointestinal motility drugs, probiotics, enteral or parenteral nutritional support, and dietary supplements can effectively relieve bloating, constipation, and nausea.

Kind tips

For cancer patients, diet is part of the treatment, and nutritional intervention and treatment can improve the prognosis, soothe the patient's body and mind, and at the same time maintain basic body functions and help fight cancer cells. According to self-feeling arrangements for eating, can not be reluctant, take the principle of small meals. In addition, it provides a pleasant dining atmosphere for cancer patients, listening to music or watching interesting TV shows, which can improve appetite.