Symptom 9. Loss of Appetite: The Silent Rebellion of a Young Stomach
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma often walks hand in hand with a host of unwelcome companions, one of which is the diminishing desire to eat. In the bustling growth phase of children, hunger is usually a constant. But with this ailment, a change is evident.
At first glance, a reduced appetite might not raise alarms. Kids can be picky eaters or might skip meals due to distractions or activities. However, with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, it’s more than just a phase or whimsy. The illness can cause a tangible and lasting change in eating patterns.
So, what’s behind this mysterious loss of appetite? The disease itself, with its flurry of abnormal cellular activities, is one cause. The body, in its innate wisdom, may be trying to conserve energy by reducing the demand for digestion. Additionally, the malignancy can produce substances that influence appetite-regulating hormones, resulting in decreased hunger.
However, it’s not only about hormones and energy conservation. The emotional and psychological strain Hodgkin’s Lymphoma places on a child can’t be overlooked. Feelings of anxiety, fear, or general unease can stifle even the strongest hunger pangs.
Thus, this symptom isn’t just about not wanting a snack or missing a meal. It’s a manifestation of the internal turmoil the child is facing, both at a cellular and emotional level. When hunger, a fundamental life force, takes a back seat, it’s a sign that the body and mind are in a complex battle. (9)
