How does kwashiorkor spread

A full recovery can still take months, even with the right treatment plan. An individual may also need treatment for the complications, such as infections and dehydration. If marasmus results from an eating disorder, a person is also likely to need mental health treatment and support.

The best way to prevent marasmus is to have an adequate intake of calories and protein, preferably from a healthful, well-balanced diet. Foods rich in protein, such as skimmed milk, fish, eggs, and nuts are ideal for energy and growth, though any protein and calorie-rich food can be used to prevent marasmus, depending on what is available. Vegetables and fruits are essential for providing other nutrients and minerals and for preventing vitamin deficiencies.

People can also take supplements, but they may be less effective than foods in delivering nutrients. A person who has recovered or is recovering from marasmus should take care to avoid complications, including dehydration and diarrhea.

Good sanitation and hygiene can play a role in marasmus, especially in places where there is not a regular supply of healthful food and clean water. Poor sanitation and hygiene can lead to infections that can worsen the symptoms of marasmus and other types of malnutrition and make it harder to recover. Cooking foods at high heat to destroy bacteria can help, as can freezing food and reheating it before eating.

Boiling water before drinking, cooking, or bathing in areas where clean water is difficult to access is essential to prevent spreading waterborne diseases. Breastfeeding infants for 6 months can help protect them from nutritional difficulties, especially in places where food is short.

According to a report in the Lancet more than 3 million children die each year because of malnutrition, accounting for more than half of all deaths in….

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How much food a person should eat depends on their height, weight, age, sex, level of physical activity, health, genetics, body composition, and more. Eating too much fiber can cause bloating, gas, and constipation. Find out how much fiber is too much and how to relieve symptoms in this article.

Symptoms of kwashiorkor As well as oedema, symptoms of kwashiorkor can include: loss of muscle mass an enlarged tummy "pot belly" regular infections, or more serious or long-lasting infections red, inflamed patches of skin that darken and peel or split open dry, brittle hair that falls out easily and may lose its colour failure to grow in height tiredness or irritability ridged or cracked nails Kwashiorkor can be fatal if it's left untreated for too long because children become very vulnerable to infections.

What causes kwashiorkor? Although kwashiorkor can affect people of all ages, it's more common in children than adults. Diagnosing kwashiorkor Kwashiorkor can often be diagnosed based on a child's physical appearance and questions about their diet and care.

This can include tests to: measure blood sugar and protein levels check how well the liver and kidneys are working by testing the urine and blood for anaemia measure the levels of vitamins and minerals in the body Other tests may include growth measurements, calculating body mass index BMI , measuring body water content, taking a sample of skin biopsy or hair for testing.

Treating kwashiorkor If kwashiorkor is found early, it can be treated with either specially formulated milk-based feeds or ready-to-use therapeutic food RUTF. Hospital treatment usually involves: treating or preventing low blood glucose keeping the person warm — kwashiorkor can make it harder to generate body heat treating dehydration with specially formulated rehydration solution treating infections with antibiotics — kwashiorkor greatly increases the risk of infections treating vitamin and mineral deficiencies — vitamin supplements are usually included in the special milk feeds and RUTF slowly introducing small amounts of food, then gradually increasing the amount of food The treatment usually takes 2 to 6 weeks.

Recovering from kwashiorkor How well a person recovers from kwashiorkor depends on how severe their symptoms were when treatment began. Urine concentration Vaginal yeast infect HCG blood test - qua Traumatic Injury Uvulitis Pulse - weak or abse WBC count Black or tarry stool Academic Health Center The University of Florida Academic Health Center - the most comprehensive academic health center in the Southeast - is dedicated to high-quality programs of education, research, patient care and public service.

Research Studies Learn about UF clinical research studies that are seeking volunteers. Research News Artificial intelligence in the intensive care unit: UF researchers developing Read More. UF Health Facts. Start now Related Services. Gastroenterology Pediatrics. Definition Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition that occurs when there is not enough protein in the diet. Alternative Names Protein malnutrition; Protein-calorie malnutrition; Malignant malnutrition Causes 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. Symptoms Symptoms include: Changes in skin pigment Decreased muscle mass Diarrhea Failure to gain weight and grow Fatigue Hair changes change in color or texture Increased and more severe infections due to damaged immune system Irritability Large belly that sticks out protrudes Lethargy or apathy Loss of muscle mass Rash dermatitis Shock late stage Swelling edema Exams and Tests The physical exam may show an enlarged liver hepatomegaly and general swelling.

Outlook Prognosis Getting treatment early generally leads to good results. 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.

In some cases of abuse or neglect, these symptoms may also accompany other signs of mistreatment, such as bruising and broken bones.

If you suspect a person is in immediate danger because of abuse or neglect, call right away. Kwashiorkor and marasmus are forms of undernutrition.

Learn the difference between these two conditions.