How is kwashiorkor prevention

According to the worldwide relief organization Unicef , marasmus is the most common form of acute malnutrition in food shortage emergencies. This condition affects both children and adults. Although kwashiorkor is a condition that relates to malnutrition, merely feeding a child or adult will not correct all of the deficiencies and effects of the condition. If a child has been living without sufficient protein and nutrients for a long time, they can find it difficult to take in food.

It is, therefore, essential to reintroduce food carefully to avoid refeeding syndrome. Refeeding syndrome involves life threatening electrolyte and fluid shifts that occur with rapid refeeding of malnourished individuals.

Many children with kwashiorkor will also develop lactose intolerance. As a result, they may need to avoid milk products or take enzymes so that their body can handle milk. Doctors treating the condition will first give carbohydrates , then add in proteins, vitamins , and minerals. The reintroduction of food may take a week or more to accomplish safely. Children with kwashiorkor may not grow to an expected height due to malnutrition at an early age.

The condition also makes a person more vulnerable to infection, which, alongside a weakened immune system, can lead to life threatening complications. Kwashiorkor is a type of severe malnutrition that is most common in children. It occurs due to a lack of protein in the diet, which affects the balance and distribution of fluids in the body and often leads to a swollen belly. Effective treatment can usually reverse many of the signs and symptoms of kwashiorkor.

It is important to reintroduce foods slowly and carefully to avoid refeeding syndrome. A look at anasarca, a condition that causes a general swelling of the body. Included is detail on how it is diagnosed and the outlook for the….

Edema, or water retention, occurs when fluid builds up in the tissues of the body. Learn about edema here. A calorie is an amount of energy that a particular food provides.

Consuming more calories than needed will result in weight gain, consuming too few…. People who eat or are considering vegetarian or vegan diets may be concerned about getting enough protein from their food. Kwashiorkor Protein Malnutrition Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition due to protein deficiency.

Ask your question. Written by Dr. Sunita Chowdhary , L. Medically Reviewed by Dr. Lakshmi Venkataraman, MD. Last Updated on Sep 14, What is Kwashiorkor? What are the Causes of Kwashiorkor? The main cause of kwashiorkor is a lack of protein in the diet. The reasons include Lack of nutritional knowledge, Limited food supply eg sub Saharan Africa, Central America and Southeast Asia Regional dependence on low protein diets , such the maize based diets can also cause children to develop this condition.

Serious infections such as septicemia , pneumonia, gastroenteritis , tuberculosis, measles and AIDS often precipitate kwashiorkor. In developed countries kwashiorkor is rare and is a result of long term illness, regular intake of junk food, fad diets or due to an underlying condition, such as HIV.

Scrimshaw and Fernando E. Do you wish to consult a Pediatrician for your problem? Shivamurthy Y L. 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. The importance of eating enough protein can not be overstated. Here are 20 high protein foods that can help you lose weight, feel great, and gain…. If you worry that vegetarian and vegan diets might lack sufficient protein, you're not alone.

This article lists 18 high protein plant foods you can…. Rickets is a disorder that can develop due to a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of…. Malnutrition refers to getting too little or too much of certain nutrients. This article discusses the types, symptoms and causes of malnutrition and….