Kwashiorkor Information

Kwashiorkor is a type of childhood malnutrition with controversial causes, but commonly believed to be caused by insufficient protein intake. This is typically a disease of impoverishedcountries often seen in the midst of drought or political turmoil. Kwashiorkor is largely a problem in the developing world, although it can be found in geriatric and hospitalized patients in Western nations. Kwashiorkor occurs most commonly in areas of famine, limited food supply, and low levels of education, which can lead to inadequate knowledge of proper diet. Generally, kwashiorkor occurs when drought, famine, or societal unrest leads to an inadequate food supply. k factors include living in impoverished countries, countries in political unrest, and countries affected by frequent natural disasters (such as drought). Kwashiorkor" is the name given to the protein-calorie malnutrition that is so common in early childhood throughout the tropics. It is characterized by edema and failure to thrive, depigmentation, hyperkeratosis, and red hair. Kwashiorkor is responsible for much morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) among children worldwide. Also known as protein malnutrition. and protein-calorie malnutrition. It is more common in children than in adults. The onset in infancy is during the weaning or post-weaning period where protein intake has not been sufficiently replaced.

Kwashiorkor is most common where the staple diet is cereal, either cassava, rice, yams, or plantains. Severe kwashiorkor may leave a child with permanent mental and physical disabilities. There is good statistical evidence that malnutrition early in life permanently decreases IQ. During the final stages of kwashiorkor, patients can experience, shock, coma, and, finally, death. The term kwashiorkor means “deposed child” (“deposed” from the mother's breast by a newborn sibling) in one African dialect and “red boy” in another dialect. Severe kwashiorkor may leave a child with permanent mental and physical disabilities. The most striking manifestations of the disease are a swollen and severely bloated abdomen, resulting from decreased albumin in the blood, and various skin changes resulting in a reddish discoloration of the hair and skin in black African children. The incidence of kwashiorkor in children in the U.S. is extremely low and only rare, isolated cases are seen. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. Shock requires immediate treatment with restoration of blood volume and maintenance of blood pressure. Treatment of kwashiorkor in its late stages will improve the child'sgeneral health but the child may be left with permanent physical problems andintellectual disabilities.

Causes of Keshan disease

The common causes and risk factor's of Keshan disease include the following:

• Inadequate protein intake in the presence of fair to good energy (total calories) intake.
• Risk factors include living in impoverished countries, countries in political unrest, and countries affected by frequent natural disasters (such as drought).

Symptoms of Keshan disease

Some sign and symptoms related to Keshan disease are as follows:

• Irritability.
• Changes in skin pigment.
• Diarrhea.
• Lethargy or apathy.
• Decreased muscle mass.
• Large belly that stick out (protrudes).
• Increased numbers of infections and increased severity of normally mildinfection as a result of damaged immune system.
• Shock (late stage).
• Hair changes -- hair color may change, often lightening or becoming reddish, thin, or brittle.

Treatment of Keshan disease

Here is list of the methods for treating Keshan disease:

• Treatment of kwashiorkor begins with rehydration. Subsequent increase in food intake must proceed slowly, beginning with carbohydrates followed by protein supplementation.
• Vitamin and mineral supplements may also be given.