Definition:
Kwashiorkor is the type of malnutrition that is commonly believed to be associated with inadequate protein intake. The common sufferers of Kwashiorkor are children with ages from one to four; however, older children and adults can also be inflicted with this condition. This usually occurs when a weaned children receives a diet replacement that high on carbohydrates and starch but low in protein.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is usually based on clinical appearance and diet history of the patient with Kwashiorkor.
Treatment:
The most recommendable treatment for Kwashiorkor is addition of food energy and protein to the diet.
Symptoms and Signs:
A child with Kwashiorkor usually presents the following symptoms:
* Swollen abdomen (pot belly), which may due to accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity (ascites) or a extremely enlarged liver as a result of fatty liver.
* Skin and hair pigment changes or alternating bands of pale and dark hair (flag signs).
* Severe weight loss
* Stunted growth
* Remarkable tiredness and loss of energy, also known as lethargy
* Impaired immunity or reduced immune response because they fail to produce antibodies against any sickness even after a previous vaccination
* Delayed puberty
* Dermatitis
* Depigmented skin
Causes:
Protein deficiency is the very well-accepted cause of Kwashiorkor; however the deficiency in this nutrient may not be the fundamental causative factor enough to cause Kwashiorkor. Deficiency in other nutrients that are considered as anti-oxidant protection nutrients (for example: iodine and vitamin C) plus insufficient protein intake will likely result to development of Kwashiorkor.
Another causative factor for Kwashiorkor is aflatoxin poisioning, which resulted from eating moldy foods.
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