What is kwashiorkor and its symptoms?

What is kwashiorkor and its symptoms?

Kwashiorkor is a condition resulting from inadequate protein intake. Early symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and lethargy. As protein deprivation continues, one sees growth failure, loss of muscle mass, generalized swelling (edema), and decreased immunity. A large, protuberant belly is common.

What causes kwashiorkor?

Kwashiorkor is caused by a lack of protein in the diet. Every cell in your body contains protein. You need protein in your diet for your body to repair cells and make new cells. A healthy human body regenerates cells in this way constantly.

What causes kwashiorkor and marasmus?

Causes of marasmus and kwashiorkor The main cause of both of these conditions is a lack of access to food. Some things that may affect a person’s access to food include: famine. a caregiver’s inability to get food due to lack of transportation or a physical inability.

Why does kwashiorkor cause edema?

Children with kwashiorkor were found to have profoundly low levels of albumin and, as a result, became intravascularly depleted. Subsequently, antidiuretic hormone (ADH) increases in response to hypovolemia, resulting in edema.

How is kwashiorkor and marasmus treated?

Treatments

1. Resuscitation. This step involves rehydration.
2. Stabilization. This step involves gradual feeding to improve the levels of nutrients in your body.
3. Nutritional rehabilitation and follow-up. This step involves increasing your nutrient intake through a protein and energy-rich diet.

What causes rickets?

Your child’s body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. Rickets can occur if your child’s body doesn’t get enough vitamin D or if his or her body has problems using vitamin D properly. Occasionally, not getting enough calcium or lack of calcium and vitamin D can cause rickets.

Why does rickets happen?

What is difference between marasmus and kwashiorkor?

Marasmus is severe malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency. Kwashiorkor is a protein deficiency disorder with adequate energy intake, whereas Marasmus is inadequate energy intake including proteins.

How does kwashiorkor affect the body?

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition. It’s most common in some developing regions where babies and children do not get enough protein or other essential nutrients in their diet. The main sign of kwashiorkor is too much fluid in the body’s tissues, which causes swelling under the skin (oedema).

Why does a child with kwashiorkor have a large abdomen?

Kwashiorkor is a type of severe malnutrition that is most common in children. It occurs due to a lack of protein in the diet, which affects the balance and distribution of fluids in the body and often leads to a swollen belly.

What causes emaciation in humans?

It affects human beings and animals; one who is emaciated could be described as “wasting away” or being “gaunt.” Emaciation is caused by severe malnourishment and starvation….

What is dog rickets?

Rickets is a rare disease of young, growing animals that causes soft and deformed bones. It is commonly caused by insufficient phosphorus or vitamin D in the diet. More rarely, calcium deficiency is to blame. An excess of calcium has caused rickets-like signs in some dogs.

What is kwashiorkor disease?

Kwashiorkor is a disease marked by severe protein malnutrition and bilateral extremity swelling. It usually affects infants and children, most often around the age of weaning through age 5. The disease is seen in very severe cases of starvation and poverty-stricken regions worldwide.

Why is it important for a person with kwashiorkor to reintroduce food?

It is important for a person with kwashiorkor to reintroduce food carefully. Kwashiorkor is the result of severe malnutrition or lack of protein. It is different than marasmus, a form of malnutrition that is due to lack of calories. Proteins are responsible for maintaining fluid balance in the body.

What are the treatment options for kwashiorkor?

Kwashiorkor can be corrected by eating more protein and more calories overall, especially if treatment is started early. You may first be given more calories in the form of carbohydrates, sugars, and fats.

What is kwashiorkor (edematous malnutrition)?

Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, RD, LD on July 24, 2017 — Written by The Healthline Editorial Team. Kwashiorkor, also known as “edematous malnutrition” because of its association with edema (fluid retention), is a nutritional disorder most often seen in regions experiencing famine.