Infection-induced anorexia: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:33, 15 February 2025

An overview of infection-induced anorexia

Infection-induced anorexia[edit]

Infection-induced anorexia is a physiological response to infection characterized by a reduced desire to eat. This phenomenon is observed across a wide range of species, including humans, and is thought to be an adaptive response to illness.

Mechanisms[edit]

The mechanisms underlying infection-induced anorexia involve complex interactions between the immune system, the central nervous system, and various hormones. During an infection, the immune system releases cytokines, which are signaling molecules that can affect the brain and alter appetite.

Cytokines[edit]

Cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-_) play a significant role in mediating anorexia during infection. These cytokines can cross the blood-brain barrier and interact with the hypothalamus, a region of the brain involved in regulating hunger and satiety.

Hormonal changes[edit]

In addition to cytokines, infection can lead to changes in hormone levels that influence appetite. For example, levels of leptin, a hormone that suppresses hunger, may increase during infection, contributing to reduced food intake.

Adaptive significance[edit]

The reduction in food intake during infection is thought to have several adaptive benefits. By reducing the intake of food, the body may conserve energy that can be redirected towards mounting an effective immune response. Additionally, fasting can lead to metabolic changes that may enhance the ability to fight off pathogens.

Clinical implications[edit]

Understanding infection-induced anorexia has important clinical implications. In some cases, the anorexia associated with infection can lead to malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. Managing nutrition during infection is therefore an important aspect of patient care.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Infection-induced anorexia''' is a condition where an individual experiences a loss of appetite due to an infection. This is a common symptom of many infections and can lead to weight loss and malnutrition if not properly managed.
+{{Short description|An overview of infection-induced anorexia}}
+{{Medical resources}}
-== Causes ==
+== Infection-induced anorexia ==
+[[File:CC-BY_icon.svg|thumb|right|Infection-induced anorexia is a common response to illness.]]
+Infection-induced anorexia is a physiological response to infection characterized by a reduced desire to eat. This phenomenon is observed across a wide range of species, including humans, and is thought to be an adaptive response to illness.
-Infection-induced anorexia is caused by the body's immune response to an infection. When the body is fighting off an infection, it releases chemicals called cytokines. These chemicals can affect the brain and lead to a loss of appetite. Some common infections that can cause anorexia include [[HIV]], [[tuberculosis]], and [[hepatitis]].
+== Mechanisms ==
+The mechanisms underlying infection-induced anorexia involve complex interactions between the [[immune system]], the [[central nervous system]], and various [[hormones]]. During an infection, the immune system releases [[cytokines]], which are signaling molecules that can affect the brain and alter appetite.
-== Symptoms ==
+=== Cytokines ===
+[[Cytokines]] such as [[interleukin-1]] (IL-1), [[interleukin-6]] (IL-6), and [[tumor necrosis factor-alpha]] (TNF-_) play a significant role in mediating anorexia during infection. These cytokines can cross the [[blood-brain barrier]] and interact with the [[hypothalamus]], a region of the brain involved in regulating hunger and satiety.
-The main symptom of infection-induced anorexia is a loss of appetite. This can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. Other symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, and a general feeling of being unwell.
+=== Hormonal changes ===
+In addition to cytokines, infection can lead to changes in [[hormone]] levels that influence appetite. For example, levels of [[leptin]], a hormone that suppresses hunger, may increase during infection, contributing to reduced food intake.
-== Treatment ==
+== Adaptive significance ==
+[[File:CC-BY_icon.svg|thumb|left|Anorexia during infection may help conserve energy for the immune response.]]
+The reduction in food intake during infection is thought to have several adaptive benefits. By reducing the intake of food, the body may conserve energy that can be redirected towards mounting an effective immune response. Additionally, fasting can lead to metabolic changes that may enhance the ability to fight off pathogens.
-Treatment for infection-induced anorexia involves treating the underlying infection. This can involve antibiotics, antiviral medications, or other treatments depending on the type of infection. In some cases, nutritional support may be needed to help the individual maintain a healthy weight.
+== Clinical implications ==
+Understanding infection-induced anorexia has important clinical implications. In some cases, the anorexia associated with infection can lead to [[malnutrition]], particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. Managing nutrition during infection is therefore an important aspect of patient care.
-== Prevention ==
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Anorexia (symptom)]]
+* [[Immune system]]
+* [[Cytokine]]
+* [[Hypothalamus]]
-Prevention of infection-induced anorexia involves preventing the infections that can cause it. This can involve practicing good hygiene, getting vaccinated, and taking other steps to avoid infection.
+[[Category:Medical symptoms]]
+[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
-== See also ==
-* [[Anorexia nervosa]]
-* [[Malnutrition]]
-* [[Infection]]
-== References ==
-<references />
-{{stub}}
-[[Category:Medical conditions]]
-[[Category:Infections]]
-[[Category:Nutrition]]