In some cases, the doctor may order blood testing for electrolyte levels, creatinine, total protein, and prealbumin. Children with kwashiorkor tend to have low blood sugar levels, as well as low levels of protein, sodium, zinc, and magnesium. According to the worldwide relief organization Unicef , marasmus is the most common form of acute malnutrition in food shortage emergencies. This condition affects both children and adults.
Although kwashiorkor is a condition that relates to malnutrition, merely feeding a child or adult will not correct all of the deficiencies and effects of the condition. If a child has been living without sufficient protein and nutrients for a long time, they can find it difficult to take in food. It is, therefore, essential to reintroduce food carefully to avoid refeeding syndrome. Refeeding syndrome involves life threatening electrolyte and fluid shifts that occur with rapid refeeding of malnourished individuals.
Many children with kwashiorkor will also develop lactose intolerance. As a result, they may need to avoid milk products or take enzymes so that their body can handle milk.
Doctors treating the condition will first give carbohydrates , then add in proteins, vitamins , and minerals. The reintroduction of food may take a week or more to accomplish safely. Children with kwashiorkor may not grow to an expected height due to malnutrition at an early age. The condition also makes a person more vulnerable to infection, which, alongside a weakened immune system, can lead to life threatening complications. 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.
Effective treatment can usually reverse many of the signs and symptoms of kwashiorkor. In: Kliegman RM, St. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Manary MJ, Trehan I. Protein-energy malnutrition. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Updated by: Neil K. Editorial team. Kwashiorkor is most common in areas where there is: Famine Limited food supply Low levels of education when people do not understand how to eat a proper diet This disease is more common in very poor countries.
It may occur during a: Drought or other natural disaster, or Political unrest. These events often lead to a lack of food, causing malnutrition. Next, blood and urine tests may be ordered to measure the level of protein and sugar in your blood. Other tests may be performed on your blood and urine to measure signs of malnutrition and lack of protein. These tests may look for muscle breakdown and assess kidney function, overall health, and growth.
These tests include:. 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. Once these calories provide 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. Even with treatment, children who have 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.
Kwashiorkor can be prevented by making sure you eat enough calories and protein-rich foods. Children and older adults, the two groups who most commonly experience kwashiorkor as a result of abuse or neglect, will display typical symptoms of the condition.
The most visible symptoms are swelling of the ankles, feet, and belly. The main sign of kwashiorkor is too much fluid in the body's tissues, which causes swelling under the skin oedema. It usually begins in the legs, but can involve the whole body, including the face. Kwashiorkor can be fatal if it's left untreated for too long because children become very vulnerable to infections.
The main cause of kwashiorkor is not eating enough protein or other essential vitamins and minerals. It's most common in developing countries with a limited food supply, poor hygiene, and a lack of education about the importance of giving babies and children an adequate diet. Kwashiorkor is rare in developed countries such as the UK, but it can occasionally happen as a result of severe neglect, long-term illness, a lack of knowledge about good nutrition, or a very restricted diet.
Kwashiorkor can often be diagnosed based on a child's physical appearance and questions about their diet and care. However, a blood test and urine test may be done to rule out other conditions.
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