It is a form of malnutrition caused by a lack of protein in the diet. People who have kwashiorkor typically have an extremely emaciated appearance in all body parts except their ankles, feet, and belly, which swell with fluid. Kwashiorkor is rarely found in the United States and other countries with a generally steady food supply. Most people who are affected by kwashiorkor recover fully if they are treated early.
Treatment involves introducing extra calories and protein into the diet. Children who develop kwashiorkor may not grow or develop properly and may remain stunted for the rest of their lives. There can be serious complications when treatment is delayed, including coma , shock , and permanent mental and physical disabilities. It can cause major organ failure and eventually death.
Kwashiorkor is caused by a lack of protein in the diet. Every cell in your body contains protein. You need protein in your diet for your body to repair cells and make new cells. A healthy human body regenerates cells in this way constantly. Protein is also especially important for growth during childhood and pregnancy.
If the body lacks protein, growth and normal body functions will begin to shut down, and kwashiorkor may develop. Kwashiorkor is most common in countries where there is a limited supply or lack of food. A limited supply or lack of food is common in these countries during times of famine caused by natural disasters — such as droughts or floods — or political unrest. A lack of nutritional knowledge and regional dependence on low-protein diets, such the maize-based diets of many South American countries, can also cause people to develop this condition.
This condition is rare in countries where most people have access to enough food and are able to eat adequate amounts of protein. It can also be a sign of an underlying condition, such as HIV.
Kwashiorkor can be fatal if it's left untreated for too long because children become very vulnerable to infections. The main cause of kwashiorkor is not eating enough protein or other essential vitamins and minerals. It's most common in developing countries with a limited food supply, poor hygiene, and a lack of education about the importance of giving babies and children an adequate diet.
Kwashiorkor is rare in developed countries such as the UK, but it can occasionally happen as a result of severe neglect, long-term illness, a lack of knowledge about good nutrition, or a very restricted diet. Kwashiorkor can often be diagnosed based on a child's physical appearance and questions about their diet and care. However, a blood test and urine test may be done to rule out other conditions. This can include tests to:.
Other tests may include growth measurements, calculating body mass index BMI , measuring body water content, taking a sample of skin biopsy or hair for testing. If kwashiorkor is found early, it can be treated with either specially formulated milk-based feeds or ready-to-use therapeutic food RUTF. RUTF is typically made up of peanut butter, milk powder, sugar, vegetable oil, and added vitamins and minerals. More intensive treatment in hospital is needed in severe cases or where there are already complications, such as infections.
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