Kwashiorkor: A Protein Deficiency Disorder

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Kwashiorkor
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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 of proper food. Malnutrition is
  often referred to as a lack of proper nutritional
  food which can lead to a number of health
  disorders. People from these countries are almost
  poor and are unable to suffice the nutrient
  requirement of their children. 

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Kwashiorkor
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• 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 milk is 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 other protein foods.

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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 the gastrointestinal tract. It is
  most common in children living in areas hit by
  drought and famine, but it can be related
  to dietary changes due to milk allergies in
  infants, fad diets, poor nutritional education,
  or a chaotic home life.

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Symptoms

• A child who is a victim of Kwashiorkor is
  completely malnourished. Such a child will
  exhibit the following symptoms of protein
  malnutrition 
• Inability to gain weight and 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 have swollen
  feet.
• A thin face with bulging eyes and prominent lips.
• An enlarged liver, observed during a physical
  exam.
• Lethargic movement. The child may also become
  irritable.

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Symptoms
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• Discoloration of the skin and hair caused due
  to dermatitis. 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.

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Risk factors for 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 as cystic 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

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Treatments

• 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 to increase 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.

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Treatments
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• 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 in digestion of dairy products
• Vitamin and mineral supplements to treat
  deficiencies

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