Kwashiorkor: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
A severe form of malnutrition, Kwashiorkor occurs when children do not get adequate protein in their diet. Kwashiorkor can cause severe health problems and even death if left untreated, especially in regions where there are famines, poverty, or limited access to nutritious food.
Causes of Kwashiorkor
A lack of protein in the diet is one of the main causes of kwashiorkor. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps build, repair, and maintain the body's tissues and organs. It also maintains the immune system, fluid balance, and hormone production. Without enough protein, the body cannot function properly and becomes susceptible to infections and diseases.
Some factors that can contribute to kwashiorkor include:
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The inability to access sufficient food or the right kind of food for a healthy lifestyle is known as food insecurity. It can be caused by drought, war, natural disasters, or political instability. Hunger, starvation, or reliance on low-quality food lacking protein and other nutrients can result from food insecurity.
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Poor breastfeeding practices: Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for infants and young children. It provides not only protein, but also carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies. Insufficient breastfeeding practices, such as early weaning, inadequate frequency, or inadequate duration, can deprive a child of breastmilk benefits and increase the risk of kwashiorkor.
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Infections and parasites: Infections and parasites can affect the digestive system and prevent the absorption of nutrients. They can also cause diarrhea, vomiting, or fever, which can lead to dehydration and loss of appetite. Kwashiorkor can be worsened by infections and parasites, making it more difficult to recover.
Symptoms of Kwashiorkor
The symptoms of kwashiorkor usually appear gradually and worsen over time. Some common symptoms include:
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The edema, or swelling of the body as a result of fluid retention, occurs when the blood protein level is low, which affects the pressure and fluid balance in the tissues. Although edema can affect any part of the body, it is most noticeable on the face, feet, legs, and abdomen.
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A lack of protein and other nutrients that are necessary for the growth and maintenance of skin and hair may lead to changes in skin and hair. It is possible for the skin to become dry, thin, flaky, or discolored. It is possible for the hair to become brittle, dull, or lose its color. It is also possible for the nails to become brittle or ridged.
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A child with growth failure may have stunted height, low weight, delayed puberty, or learning difficulties as a result of malnutrition.
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It is caused by the breakdown of muscle tissue that causes muscle wasting. Muscle wasting is the loss of muscle mass and strength. As a result of a lack of protein and energy, the child may have weak or flabby muscles, reduced mobility, or breathing difficulties.
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In anemia, low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin are present in the blood. Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen to the cells of the body. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or shortness of breath.
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An immune deficiency is a disease that impairs the body's ability to fight infections and diseases. The child may have frequent or severe infections, including pneumonia, diarrhea, or measles, due to a lack of protein and other nutrients that are necessary for the production and function of the immune cells.
Diagnosis of Kwashiorkor
To diagnose kwashiorkor, a doctor will usually perform a physical examination and ask about the history and symptoms of the child. The doctor may also order some tests, such as:
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Blood tests: Blood tests can measure the levels of protein, hemoglobin, and other substances in the blood. They can also detect signs of infection, inflammation, or organ damage.
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Urine tests: Urine tests can measure the levels of protein, sugar, and other substances in the urine. They can also detect signs of dehydration, infection, or kidney damage.
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Anthropometric measurements: Anthropometric measurements are the measurements of the body’s size, shape, and composition. They can include height, weight, body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and skinfold thickness. They can help assess the degree of malnutrition and the risk of mortality.
Treatment of Kwashiorkor
The treatment of kwashiorkor aims to correct the malnutrition and the complications that it causes. The treatment may include:
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Food and fluids should be provided to the child as part of nutritional therapy. In order to prevent overfeeding or refeeding syndrome, nutritional therapy should be gradual, frequent, and monitored. It can include oral rehydration, therapeutic milk, ready-to-use therapeutic food, or fortified blended foods.
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It can include antibiotics, antiparasitics, antimalarials, and vitamin or mineral supplements. Medical therapy should be tailored to the child's specific needs and conditions.
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Supportive care is providing comfort and assistance to the child. It can include hygiene, skin care, wound care, or physiotherapy. Supportive care should be gentle, compassionate, and respectful.
Prevention of Kwashiorkor
To prevent kwashiorkor, some general tips include:
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Food security means increasing the availability and accessibility of food for all people. It can involve enhancing food production, distribution, or diversity, as well as reducing food waste, loss, and spoilage.
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The purpose of encouraging breastfeeding is to support and protect the practice of breastfeeding for infants and young children. It can also involve providing a safe, comfortable, and enabling environment for breastfeeding. In addition to educating mothers, families, and communities, it can also involve educating them about breastfeeding's benefits and techniques.
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Prevent infections and parasites: Preventing infections and parasites involves reducing the exposure and transmission of infectious agents and parasitic organisms. It can involve improving water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Vaccination, treatment of infections, and deworming of children can also be used.
