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ULY CLINIC

29 Oktoba 2026, 11:47:29

Polyphagia (Hyperphagia)

Polyphagia refers to voracious or excessive eating, which can be persistent or intermittent. This symptom is commonly associated with endocrine, psychological, and drug-induced causes. Depending on the underlying disorder, polyphagia may lead to weight gain or weight loss.

History and Physical Examination

History

Ask the patient about food and fluid intake over the past 24–72 hours.
Note meal frequency, amount, and type of food.
Determine if eating habits are recently changed, persistent, or intermittent.
Explore triggers: stress, depression, menstruation, or simply availability of food.
Ask about vomiting, headaches, or weight changes.
Obtain a complete drug history, including laxatives, enemas, or appetite-affecting medications.

Physical Examination

Weigh the patient and observe for emotional reactions.
Inspect skin for dryness or poor turgor.
Palpate the thyroid for enlargement.
Assess for signs of dehydration, hyperthyroidism, or systemic illness.

Medical causes of polyphagia

Condition	Clinical Features	Other Important Information
Anxiety	Restlessness, irritability, insomnia, repetitive questioning, constant attention-seeking, muscle tension, diaphoresis, palpitations, tachycardia, GI distress, urinary/sexual dysfunction	Mild to moderate anxiety can trigger episodic polyphagia
Bulimia	Binge eating alternating with self-induced vomiting, fasting, or diarrhea; low body weight, depression, low self-esteem	Most common in women aged 18–29; overeating is concealed
Diabetes mellitus	Polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria, nocturia, weight loss, fatigue, weakness, signs of dehydration	Classic hyperglycemia features; assess for complications
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)	Food cravings, binge eating, abdominal bloating, depression, insomnia, headache, paresthesia, diarrhea/constipation, edema, temporary weight gain, palpitations, back pain, breast tenderness	Cyclical pattern, typically in luteal phase of menstrual cycle
Drug-induced	Increased appetite due to corticosteroids, cyproheptadine, and some hormone supplements	Monitor for associated weight gain

Special considerations

Provide emotional support and help the patient understand underlying causes.
Address psychiatric factors and consider referral to psychological counseling.
Monitor for nutritional imbalance or obesity-related complications.

Patient counseling

Refer for nutritional counseling.
Offer personal and family counseling if psychological factors are involved.
Educate the patient on healthy eating habits, portion control, and stress management.

Pediatric pointers

Most common cause: juvenile diabetes.
Infants (6–18 months): consider malabsorption disorders, e.g., celiac disease.
Sudden growth spurts may lead to physiologic polyphagia without underlying disease.

References

Berkowitz, C. D. (2012). Berkowitz’s Pediatrics: A Primary Care Approach (4th ed.). USA: American Academy of Pediatrics.
Buttaro, T. M., Tybulski, J., Bailey, P. P., & Sandberg-Cook, J. (2008). Primary Care: A Collaborative Practice (pp. 444–447). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.
Colyar, M. R. (2003). Well-Child Assessment for Primary Care Providers. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis.
Lehne, R. A. (2010). Pharmacology for Nursing Care (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.
McCance, K. L., Huether, S. E., Brashers, V. L., & Rote, N. S. (2010). Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby Elsevier.
Sommers, M. S., & Brunner, L. S. (2012). Pocket Diseases. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns or emergencies.