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Anorectic – Meaning, Causes and Treatment

Anorectic describes a condition of significantly reduced or absent appetite, or refers anatomically to the region of the anus and rectum. The term is used in two distinct medical contexts.

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Things worth knowing about "Anorectic"

Anorectic describes a condition of significantly reduced or absent appetite, or refers anatomically to the region of the anus and rectum. The term is used in two distinct medical contexts.

What does anorectic mean?

The term anorectic is used in medicine in two different ways. First, it describes a state in which a person has little or no appetite (from the Greek an- = without, orexis = appetite). Second, it is used anatomically to refer to anything related to the anus and rectum (the lower part of the large intestine).

Anorectic in the sense of appetite loss

In this context, anorectic describes a condition in which a person has reduced or no desire to eat. This can be a symptom of various diseases or can be caused by medications, psychological conditions, or external factors.

Possible causes

Medical conditions: Infectious diseases, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney failure, liver disease
Psychological causes: Depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa
Medications: Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, stimulants, or pain medications can suppress appetite
Other factors: Stress, pain, nausea, advanced age

Symptoms and consequences

Persistent loss of appetite can lead to unintentional weight loss, malnutrition, and weakness. This is particularly concerning in elderly individuals or those with serious illnesses, as the body requires adequate nutrients to recover.

When to see a doctor

If loss of appetite lasts longer than one to two weeks, or is accompanied by significant weight loss, weakness, or other symptoms, medical advice should be sought promptly. A doctor will investigate the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Anorectic in the anatomical sense

In anatomy and surgery, anorectic (often referred to as the anorectal region) describes everything related to the anus (anal opening) and rectum (lower end of the large intestine). Conditions in this area include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, abscesses, fistulas, and colorectal carcinoma.

Common anorectal conditions

Hemorrhoids: Enlarged vascular cushions in the anal canal
Anal fissure: A tear in the anal lining, often painful
Anal fistula: An abnormal channel between the rectum and the skin
Anorectal abscess: A collection of pus in the anorectal area
Colorectal carcinoma: A malignant tumor of the colon or rectum

Diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis of anorectic conditions depends on the clinical context. For appetite loss, blood tests, a thorough medical history, and imaging studies may be used. For anorectal conditions, physical examination, digital rectal examination, proctoscopy, or colonoscopy are commonly employed. Treatment is always directed at the underlying cause.

References

Pschyrembel Clinical Dictionary, 268th edition, De Gruyter, Berlin 2020.
World Health Organization (WHO): Nutrition and disease. Available at: https://www.who.int (accessed 2024).
Herold, G. et al.: Internal Medicine, self-published, Cologne 2023.

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