HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Lack Of Appetite And Fatigue?

Posted on Tue, 22 Apr 2014

Question: My ten year old son has has lack of appetite and fatigue for the past few months. Now he has a bad cough he had a negative chest X-ray. He will only eat at school refuses every meal at home even if it is a favorite. Very pale skin and dark circles under eyes. He has chairi type one malformation and cyclic vomiting syndrome. He has not had an episode in months. Very concerned what could it be ? He had a CBC and platelets where very slightly low. Many doctors appointments no answers

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Fatigue Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for your question. I am sorry your son is not well. The negative chest xray, especially in the presence of cough, is very encouraging. The reasonably normal CBC is also encouraging. The first thing I think of when I hear the word "fatigue" is mononucleosis. I also consider thyroid issues scenario as well as anemia. I know it seems like torture to him, but I would have this blood work done, including more advanced iron studies. The cough may or may not be related. The cough could simply be allergy or recurrent viral illnesses. But I wouldn't consider anything further until these tests were done.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Eric Goldstein (16 minutes later)

Ok thank you so further bloodwork his cbc was a month or so ago. Fo you think this is a trason got a trop yo the er!

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer: ER? Detailed Answer: I don't believe you need to go to the ER for this. I would start with your regular doctor and discuss these possible diagnoses. If you encounter any resistance, you can contact a hematologist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Eric Goldstein (26 minutes later)

Thank you. He sees his neurologist next Tuesday he comes to the cape only on Tuesdays from mass general hospital boston. We will hang in there until then feels like Tuesday is so far away when he is feeling like this the past three nights he fell asleep at 5pm and slept until 7am very unnerving usually he hates going to bed and has a ton of energy. Very hard to watch when you know something is wrong you just don't know what.

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer: yes Detailed Answer: Until we have something to hang our hat on it will remain difficult. Hopefully the neurologist will understand.

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad