Have you ever notice a child whose body structure is very weak? May be or not, that condition is called kwashiorkor. It usually begins when the child is not getting a sufficient amount of proteins, food, vitamins, fiber, basically no sufficient body required food. There are so many children died from this problem. There are so many people who don’t even know about this problem and how dangerous it can be! Today we are going to share some very important information about Kwashiorkor – A Diseases Related To Poor Nutrition and how can you treat it.
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What is Kwashiorkor?
Kwashiorkor is a form of serious malnutrition which most commonly begins in childhood. It is extremely serious and results from such severe protein deficiencies which a child experiences edema or swelling.
What are the Symptoms of Kwashiorkor?
There are some of the symptoms of kwashiorkor may have include:
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in hair color may look yellow or orange
- Pitting edema or swelling, usually on the legs and feet, when a fingermark remains after the skin is pressed
- Lack of muscle and fat tissues
- Lethargy and irritability
- Patchy and cracked skin
- Frequent infections in the skin lesions
What are the Causes of Kwashiorkor?
Kwashiorkor is the result of serious malnutrition or lack of protein and, usually, calories as well. A child may sometimes have a continued cereal- or grain-based diet that may have some calories but lacks sufficient nutrients and protein. Proteins are conducted for maintaining fluid balance in the body. Without proteins, fluid shifts to areas it should not be. This is what happens when someone has kwashiorkor.
What are the Complications of Kwashiorkor?
Children who have or had kwashiorkor may never reach their full growth and height potential. If treatment comes too late, a child may have permanent physical and mental disabilities. If it left untreated, the condition can lead to coma, shock, or death.
How to Treat Kwashiorkor?
Kwashiorkor can be rectified 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. These calories give energy, you will be given foods with proteins. Foods must be introduced and calories should be increased slowly because you have been without proper nutrition for a long period. Your body may need to adjust to the increased intake.
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What are Kwashiorkor and Marasmus?
Doctors define acute malnutrition in three forms:
Marasmus: A major weight loss and muscle wasting due to lack of nutrition and calories.
Kwashiorkor: Swelling or edema due to water retention.
Marasmic-kwashiorkor: A combination of muscle wasting and bilateral edema.
What Food is Best for Malnutrition?
Here, some best food for malnutrition include:
- Eat a good quantity of fruit and vegetables.
- A lot of bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, and other starchy foods.
- Milk and dairy foods.
- Meat, fish, eggs, beans and other nondairy sources of protein.
What are the Effects of Malnutrition on the Body?
It conducts to serious health issues, including stunted growth, eye problems, diabetes, and heart disease. Malnutrition affects thousands of people worldwide. Some populations have a high risk of developing certain types of malnutrition depending on their environment, lifestyle, and resources.
Conclusion
As we have given you very important information in the above-mentioned blog Kwashiorkor. Hope this information will help you. But the most important part whenever you see any of the above symptoms then consult a doctor immediately before taking so much time.