Kwashiorkor

Introduction of Kwashiorkor

Every child has the right to receive complete nutrition in the form of a balanced
diet. This diet helps in proper growth and development of the body. But there are
many unlucky children who do not even get one square meal a day, which leads to
malnutrition. Children in under-developed and developing nations are severely
undernourished or malnourished due to unavailability ofproper food.
Malnutrition is often referred to as a lack of proper nutritional food which can lead
to a number ofhealth disorders. People from these countries are almost poor
and are unable to suffice the nutrient requirement of their children.
Kwashiorkor is a kind of disorder which affects children and is caused due to
malnutrition. It has a very deteriorating effect on health. This disease is commonly
seen in countries which suffer from drought. Poverty is also one of the main
causes of malnutrition. Kwashiorkor mainly attacks children who are below 5 years
of age, and is commonly seen in children who have been weaned of breast milk.
Breast milkis a rich source of amino acids and proteins which are essential for
the growth of the child. Once the child has been weaned from breast milk, the
nutrients need to be replaced with otherproteinfoods.

Causes of Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is caused by a diet low in protein. It can also arise due to

infections, parasites, or other conditions that interfere with protein absorption
from thegastrointestinal tract. It is most common in children living in areas
hit by drought and famine, but it can be related todietary changesdue to
milk allergies in infants, fad diets, poor nutritional education, or a chaotic home
life.

Symptoms of Kwashiorkor

A child who is a victim of Kwashiorkor is completely malnourished. Such a child

will exhibit the following symptoms of protein malnutrition:
Inability togain weightand stunted growth.
The rib cage is visible due to a decrease in the muscle mass.
Large and protruding belly, due to fluid or water retention in the body. This
condition is also known as edema. The child may also haveswollen feet.
A thin face with bulging eyes and prominent lips.
An enlarged liver, observed during aphysical exam.
Lethargic movement. The child may also become irritable.
Discoloration of the skin and hair caused due todermatitis. The skin may
begin to peel away and may also become dark. The hair may also become light
and may begin to fall in tufts.
The child becomes susceptible to a number of infections and diseases due to a
weak immune system. A mild infection also has the tendency to become
severe in a child with a damaged immune system.
Mental retardation.

Risk of Kwashiorkor
A number of factors increase the risk of developing kwashiorkor. Not all people
with risk factors will get kwashiorkor. Risk factors for kwashiorkor include:
Conditions that interfere with protein absorption such ascystic fibrosis
Dietary changes for management of milk allergies in infants and children
Diets that is low in protein such as a vegan diet
Drought or famine
Infections that interfere with protein absorption
Limited food supply, as may occur during political unrest
Parasites such as intestinal worms
Poor education about proper nutrition
Prolonged hospitalisation or residence in a nursing home

Treatment of Kwashiorkor
Treatment of kwashiorkor depends upon its severity. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
may need to be corrected with intravenous fluids, and infections may require
treatment with antibiotics.
Although the goal is toincrease protein in the diet, rapid increases in calories and
protein can be dangerous. Often, the calories are slowly increased by adding
carbohydrates, sugars, and fat to the diet. Next, protein is gradually added. People
who have malnutrition may have difficulty digesting the lactose in dairy products, so
the enzyme lactase may be added. Vitamin and mineral supplements may also be
used. Common treatments for kwashiorkor include:
Antibiotics to treat infections
Gradual increases in dietary calories from carbohydrates, sugars and fats
Gradual increases in dietary protein
Intravenous fluids to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances
Lactase to assist indigestionof dairy products
Vitamin and mineralsupplementsto treat deficiencies