Weight loss is a symptom of what illness?

Questions and Answers

what sickeness/illness has severe weight loss as one of its symptoms?, and i dont mean ANOREXIA, i mean a genuine illness that is not self induced

Most of the ones that cause severe weight loss are fatal. I have a hunch you are thinking of trying to get some disease as an "easy" way to lose weight. Trust me, it's not worth it.

Strange illness symptoms. Diarrhea, no vomitting, vision goes funny for a split second, weight loss.?, I'm 5'7 172 pounds
10 days ago I was dehydrated and exhausted from being at a concert and sweating.
Diarrhea until I took Immodium. I am eating BRAT (Banana's, Rice, Apple Sauce and Toast).
Sunday morning I had bad diarrhea so I took immodium. That stopped me up until two days ago. I went to the bathroom and had soft stool.
Then yesterday morning I had the urge that I had to go to the bathroom suddenly after being up about and hour and had really soft stool again.
I have NOT been vomitting.
I've 13 pounds almost 14 and still losing.
It's only been the last 4 days I've started to eat chicken and a little bit of fish and today I added boiled veggies into my rice.

Yesterday I took 3tsp of immodium (second time taken)i feel fatigued but am wide awake in the day but through the day I feel as if my eyes go crosseyed when I look at something (not really nausea though) then I go back to focus.
I talked to a registered nurse I know on the phone and she saidi should be better soon.

Have you recieved any vaccinations lately? the HPV vaccine can have similar (but rare) negative effects.

At what point does "unexplained weight loss" become "substantial unexplained weight loss"?, I know that one of the symptoms of some illnesses is "substantial unexplained weight loss". I've lost 10-15 pounds recently without trying at all, but I'm also aware that my lifestyle has changed a lot recently (done with college, basically), so I'm not sure whether to even pay attention to it.

I weighed around 135 before college and got up to 175 during college, and now I'm at 160, so I'm thinking I have a long way to go before I need to start worrying or caring.

Sounds like your diet or your activity level has changed since you are no longer in college. If you were only 135 before you started college, then it sounds like you don't have anything to worry about.
On the other hand, a substantial weight loss is one of the signs of HIV. If you participated in any homosexual activities or intravenius drug use while in college, then HIV is a definate possibility. If you didn't, then I'm sure you are OK and the weight loss is just being caused by your change in lifestyle.

Gradual weight loss in cats........, My 4 yr old DSH has lost 2.75lbs during the past 2 years. A neighbor commented yesterday that Avery has lost "a lot of weight". I took her to her vet today and he commented that her fat stores are "ok", but she has lost muscle mass. He took a full body x-ray and drew blood for a blood chemistry panel. I'm panic stricken!! Avery shows no symptoms of illness.... appetite is normal, no vomitting, nothing...... my only thought is that my other cat is a bit of a nuisance to Avery..... Zoey "bugs" the h3ll out of Avery...they eat together, use the same litter box...always have. Separate them and both cats get stressed. I've offered separate litter boxes, but they always insist upon sharing. I'm terrified...does anyone have experience with this?

I do not think it is a problem that they share a litter box or food
I also do not think that it appropiate to guess as to what is wrong. Reading the guesses can only scare you and won't be accurate anyway. You already have had the tests and the blood panel. Results should be in tomorrow. Let is know what is going on. Positive vibes for you and yours

I have been diagnosed as Melancholia. Has anyone else heard of this illness?, Symptoms are: rapid weight loss, constant severe nausea, tremors and extreme depression.
BTW, I lost 24 lbs in 4 weeks. I was so weak I couldn't walk without assistance.

It's an old term for depression. Ask yourself: "Why do I feel depressed, and when did I first start to feel this way: can I associate this with any recent change in my life?" (if so, it is probably reactive [situational] depression: counselling, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be indicated, but most of life's adverse situations are resolved within 16 weeks, yet the medical criteria for depression, and the prescription of antidepressants is only 2 weeks!). Or, was it a more gradual thing, with no apparent cause? (a nutritional deficiency, hypothyroidism, environmental toxicity, or reactions to some medications, etc., becomes more likely as the cause). Antidepressants work quicker than the following; 2 - 6 weeks, but you may have to adjust dosage, or types. St. John's wort helps most people; tolerance doesn't develop, and the few side effects don't occur often, and even then are normally not severe (neither should be relied on as a sole treatment).

It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can work quicker than antidepressants, sometimes. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John's wort (I have noticed no effect in this area). A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.

(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. In the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, see http://www.mercola.com/ SEARCHBAR: enter: "vitamin D3", & Go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don’t follow the typical “normal” reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you’re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)". The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at mercola.com - "vitamin D3; testing". Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements.

(2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes of exercise, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly in daytime, outside. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain). (4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi*.(5.) Initially, at least, some form of psychotherapy or counselling; later, perhaps either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, (a free E course in it is at: http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome ) or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy for, say, 6 months. (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule**. (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness. Perika, and Kira brands have been recommended as being effective. Take with a meal) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).

Good ways to help my cat gain weight?, My baby cat Sam, who turned 8 this year (ok so not really a baby!) has been losing lots of weight during the past 2-3 months.

Previously he was know as "fat boy sam" because he has always been on the larger side!

I have had him tested for everything under the sun and thankfully all the tests have come back negative, he has just finished a course of antibiotics as the vet believed it was some sort of inflammatory condition, Sams symptoms on top of his weight loss were diarrhea with blood, a little sickness, and increased thirst.

I am keen to get him back to his pre-illness weight, and although since his treatment of drugs he has put on a little weight and is looking much better he is still far too thin.

I have tried looking on line for any treatments and can only find things to help cats lose weight, i'm thinking some sort of high protein diet will do it, is fresh meat the best option or are there other alternatives?

I have a multi-cat household.

Many thanks in advance for any help

Rox

feeding a species appropriate diet is the best way to help cats gain or lose weight. I know it sounds counter intuitive, but getting the right nutrients help fat cats feel satiated longer, and helps skinny cats get what they need to put on a little weight.

You don't say if your vet thinks your cat is underweight at this point. Most people think cats are at an ideal weight when they are actually overweight. ask your vet if your kitty needs to gain.

But anyway, feeding it a low carbohydrate, high moisture food is in your kitty's best interest. canned food falls into this category (but not all canned foods) Check out http://www.catinfo.org a website run by a vet who actually studies feline nutrition and spells it all out, and links to a website with information regarding carbohydrate counts in different canned foods.

whats this illness?, with the symptoms
-weight loss
-and feeling lightheaded

any ideas?

It could really be anything, but if you only have two symptoms the it could really be thousands of things. Sorry.

undiagnosed - need help -> newborn, neurological, swallowing, weight loss, lost vision, metabolic disorder???, Last Tuesday, February 13th, Joey had a follow up appt with our Pediatrician. During this visit, the doctor was concerned because Joey had lost 14 ounces over a 1 week period. We were concerned because we were having increased difficulty getting him to eat like he used to, and he was beginning to wake up screaming at night but not want to eat. The doctor was also concerned because Joey’s tremors appeared to have increased, and he was making bizarre facial gestures (in her opinion). Needless to say, she was concerned that he was having increased seizure activity and wanted us to go to the hospital immediately. We were not pleased with our experience at CHOP and were in the process of transferring Joey’s records to Dupont, so we decided to head to their ER department.

Joey was admitted to Dupont to 3E on 2/13. He was admitted by a general Pediatrician who is also a Diagnostician. He is by far one of the most wonderful doctors I have ever met, and Steve and I feel completely at ease and at peace knowing that Joey’s life, essentially, is in his hands. His job is to look at the whole picture and get to the bottom of whatever it is that is causing Joey’s problems. He then pulls in the needed specialists to treat each specific issue; all the while making sure no stone is left unturned. Every genetic, metabolic, and freak-of-nature disease test is being done to get to the bottom of this.

Since Joey’s admission, we have learned that he has lost his vision. They believe he had some vision at one time, as the structure of his eyes is normal. The problem lies with the pathway from the retina to the back of his brain. Basically, his eyes can see, his brain cannot. This was a major blow to us, but it was only the beginning of bad news. Meanwhile, we were just happy to finally have doctors who cared and wanted to get to the bottom of his illness. We were completely blown off by the Neurologists at CHOP who didn’t want to see Joey for months; meanwhile, he is rapidly declining.

The EEG confirmed that Joey is NOT having seizures. His jerky movements/tremors are not seizures but more of a muscular reaction, so to speak. He had a complete GI work up to rule out severe reflux as a cause for his screaming; however, his reflux is mild and not likely the culprit of the screaming. Nonetheless, he has still been put on a strong anti-acid medication, Prevacid, to treat the reflux and be sure that that, in itself, is not cause for any discomfort. Therefore, the screaming episodes he is having are not really Reflux related, and it is believed that they are more neurological. This means that we will still have to contend with them and hope to find ways to comfort him and keep him safe when they occur. This was the one thing we wanted “cured”, but it does not appear we can do anything medical to treat this, as it is a more behavioral reaction than a symptom of something.

The Neurologist we saw informed us that he believes that Joey is on a downward slide. Basically, there is something going on at a cellular level causing him to deteriorate. Whether it is something in his brain or some autosomal problem or metabolic disorder, etc., remains to still be determined. But the bottom line is that unless he starts to level off, he will continue to deteriorate and death is the end result. How long that will take, we don’t know. Our goal at this time is to make him as comfortable as possible and treat each symptom as best we can in order to make him the best little Joey he can be. Simultaneously, we will not stop until we can put a name to this disease. Whatever he has could be so rare that it could take months to find out or it could be so abstract that it could be named after him if this is the first case. Joey’s symptoms fit into several categories; however, his head is of normal size so it makes diagnosis hard. The next few months will be crucial in helping to determine what is going to ultimately happen. We have to see how or if he continues to develop in order to help narrow the field. Also, over the next 2 to 6 weeks, the results of the more complex testing will start to arrive.

Since his arrival in the hospital, Joey’s ability to swallow and effectively eat has deteriorated. His swallow study showed that he was aspirating his formula. The good thing is that he is allowed to safely consume nourishment from a bottle as long as it is honey-thickened. His bottles are now thickened like the consistency of runny oatmeal. However, his ability to coordinate sucking and swallowing is impaired. His swallow is delayed and his tongue thrusts outward, therefore, it is work for the poor guy to only take in about 2-3 ounces. We now have to use our fingers to support his jaw and cheek when he eats. Since he was continuing to lose weight despite all these efforts, an NG (nasogastic) tube was inserted on Sunday. Therefore, we can initiate bottle feeding first, and what ever he does not consume is then calculated and fed to him in liquid form via the NG tube. This is done every 3 hours around the clock. We will meet with the doctor before coming home to figure out how we can make this schedule work realistically at home, as there is no way we can maintain that schedule at home without becoming exhausted. He will be coming home with the NG tube, and he will have it for an undetermined amount of time.

Hoping he can establish a steady weight pattern and stop vomiting the tube feeds.

Any helpful insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Have they looked at mito disorders? Also, rett syndrome can cause rapid decline in boys. My daughter has RS and has many of the things you describe. I don't understand why the DRs are so sure he does not have bigger reflux problems. My daughter screamed and screamed until we got reflux under control and there was no test they did to determine reflux, just by her symptoms.

Cat with weight loss...........?, I have 2 brother cats we adopted 2 years ago, they were approx 3 or 4 at that time. Jack is short & fat (24lbs) Torrey is taller & was 16lbs. Torreys last weight a few months ago was 18lbs. Jack is still 24. They have been eating low fat cat food since we got them. No table food, few "treats". They share one small can of soft food each morning. Torrey is down to 13lbs......... over past few months. Neither of them are particularly playful . Torrey does not seem to have any sign of illness....... increased thirst, hunger, lethargy etc.......
I was reading about hyperthyroidism. Anybody have a cat with hyperthyroidism ? What were their symptoms? I never owned cats before. I am concerned. They are fixed, have claws. I do not let them roam freely. The have a large dog run type chain link fence pen - they just lay around in it though!

Cats with hyperthyroidism will also have diahrea. Some will be very enrgetic as well. Most cats should only weigh 10 to 12lbs.

If you are trying to reduce their weight, you should really ditch that dry cat food and stick to a wet cat food that is as close to all meat as you can get.

http://www.catnutrition.org/

http://www.catinfo.org/