Kwashiorkor is a type of malnutrition caused by protein deficiency. If it is not treated early enough, physical disability and mental disorders, and in extreme cases even death, can result. What are the symptoms of kwashiorkor? What is the treatment?
Kwashiorkoris the most dangerous type of malnutrition for children. Even if treatment with kwashiorkor is initiated early enough, children may not fully grow and develop normally. Besides, kwashiorkor can lead to physical and intellectual disability, and even to the development of mental disorders. In extreme cases, death occurs.
Kwashiorkor - reasons
The cause of this type of malnutrition is a quantitative or qualitative deficiency in protein, as well as vitamins and minerals in the diet. For this reason, it is called protein malnutrition.
Kwashiorkor is most often found in Asia, Africa and South America
Kwashiorkor is most common among the poor population of developing countries, especially in areas where natural disasters (such as earthquakes, hurricanes or floods) and political unrest prevail, and therefore access to food is limited. Additionally, kwashiorkor is often seen in countries where the diet consists mainly of corn, rice, and beans.
In developed countries, it may occur in the course of chronic diseases or nutritional neglect, but it happens very rarely.
Kwashiorkor - symptoms
- weakness, fatigue, apathy or irritability
- loss of fat and muscle tissue
A characteristic symptom of kwashiorkor is a large, convex abdomen
- swelling all over the body (especially on the legs)
- large, convex belly
- gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men)
- salivary gland enlargement
- dry and brittle hair that falls out
- ribbed or cracked nails
- change the color of skin (and often also hair) to orange-red
Many malnourished children develop lactose intolerance
- scaly rash
- urinating olarge volume
- diarrhea
- frequent infections
In extreme cases, it may lead to coma or shock.
Kwashiorkor - diagnosis
If quashiorkor is suspected, blood and / or urine tests are ordered to assess the concentration of protein and other substances (e.g. creatinine, potassium).
Other tests may include measurement of height, BMI and body water, skin biopsy, and hair sample analysis.
Kwashiorkor - treatment
A person with kwashiorkor should be in the hospital, where it will be hydrated for about 48 hours (in order to balance the body's water and electrolyte balance).
Then, the patient's diet should be gradually expanded with the missing nutrients, but first the diet includes carbohydrates, simple sugars and fats, and then protein. It is important that the amount of calories in the diet is increased very gradually. The doctor may also order the patient to be given vitamin and mineral supplements. If you have developed lactose intolerance, your meal must include lactase, the enzyme responsible for digesting lactose.
GOOD TO KNOW>> Unfortunately, even if treatment is instituted early in the course of malnutrition, a child may not fully achieve normal growth and development. If treatment is initiated too late, physical and intellectual disabilities and even mental problems may occur. In extreme cases, death may occur.