Guide To The Causes And Symptoms Of Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a serious form of malnutrition that, if left untreated, can cause weakness, immune system failure, developmental delays in children, and even death. It is rarely seen in developed countries, though it can still be found in developing countries, especially those suffering from drought or famine, or in societies unfamiliar with the basic principles of nutrition. Fortunately, kwashiorkor can usually be treated with a special diet, and most victims will recover if they receive treatment early enough. If the patient is not treated in time, however, kwashiorkor can cause permanent disability from muscle and organ damage. Get to know the major causes and symptoms of kwashiorkor now.

Lack Of Protein In The Diet

The cause of kwashiorkor is simple: insufficient dietary protein. This can occur in cases where protein is hard to get, or in cultures where the traditional diet is heavy on starches and other carbohydrates and light on typical sources of protein. Children are especially vulnerable to kwashiorkor because they need protein to fuel their body's growth and development, but it can strike anyone who is not getting enough protein. In developed countries, a lack of protein in the diet is usually a result of poverty, neglect, or abuse, such as parents not knowing, or not caring, how to feed their children properly. Of course, not knowing the wide variety of protein sources, particularly non-meat sources, can increase the risk of kwashiorkor in individuals who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

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Edema

One of the most visible signs of kwashiorkor is edema (swelling) of the hands, lower legs and feet, face, and stomach. This is because the body needs protein to properly regulate the movement of fluids in the body. A lack of protein in the blood makes it harder for the body to reabsorb fluids, and as they build up, the tissues swell. This can be painful and make it difficult for individuals to move, as well as interfering with circulation. The swollen gut characteristic of kwashiorkor can also be caused by an enlarged liver; a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet can lead to excessive fat deposits in the liver, causing it to swell.

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Loss Of Muscle Mass

Even as some parts of the kwashiorkor patient's body swell from excess fluids, others shrink and become emaciated. Without sufficient protein to build muscles, the body metabolizes muscle and fat faster than it can restore them, leaving individuals with a skin-and-bone appearance. This is especially noticeable in the arms, shoulders, chest, and legs. Combined with edema, this produces the classic image of someone severely affected by famine: swollen belly but sunken chest and scrawny limbs. The loss of muscle mass further causes the patient to become weak and lethargic. This can make the patient unable to move or feed themselves, further worsening the disease.

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Changes In Hair And Skin

Protein also plays an important part in forming healthy hair and skin. A kwashiorkor patient's hair tends to grow thin and may be dry, brittle, or loose. In some cases, the hair will lose its color, producing a bleached or rusty appearance. Skin can also lose color, and without enough protein, it becomes weak and easily irritated, leading to rashes and inflammation. This can cause the skin to peel away in flakes like old paint. These changes in hair and skin can be dangerous because they make it easier for germs to bypass the body's defenses, and kwashiorkor also weakens the immune system.

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Failure To Gain Weight Or Grow

As mentioned earlier, a kwashiorkor patient cannot build muscle and fat properly. When the patient is a child, this can disrupt their natural rate of growth. Children who suffer from kwashiorkor will become smaller and weaker than those who have the advantage of a diet with enough protein. This failure to gain weight or grow can have severe consequences for a child's physical and mental development. Unless treated early enough, a child with kwashiorkor may never attain their full growth and strength. Untreated kwashiorkor can also cause lifelong mental disabilities if the patient's brain does not grow properly.