We all know that food is essential for humans. We may underestimate the power of food as we often associate it with making us feel full and go on with our daily routine with ease. Did you know that food is the core of a human life since we are small as babies? You can see how bad the effect of lack of access to food can cause detrimental effects on the human body such as those who live in countries with high rates of poverty such as Africa. In this DoctorOnCall’s article, we will learn about a disease caused by lack of food, which is kwashiorkor.
What exactly is a kwashiorkor? Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition. It is a disease that usually affects young people such as infants and children. The disease revolves around those with diets lacking in protein. In other words, kwashiorkor is a feature caused by protein deficiency. Apart from protein deficiency, it is often associated with other nutrients needed for the child to grow and develop well.
The exact cause of kwashiorkor is fairly unknown but it has been theorised due to the diets mainly on maize, rice or cassava. This means that the diet received by the child is very low in protein and also antioxidants. Hence, the children are prone to many diseases as their body is unable to fight off diseases. This is made worse by the environment they live in such as poverty, infection, poor hygiene, lack of education and parental death making the child unable to have an optimal health backed by a healthy diet and way of life.
Symptoms of kwashiorkor are swelling of the hand and feet, muscle shrinkage, enlarged stomach similar to “pot belly” and failure to grow making the child have short height. Apart from that, patients are often seen with dry rough peeling skin with inflamed skin patches and dry brittle hair. What makes kwashiorkor a dangerous condition is the fact that it can cause the child to become susceptible to infections that can be fatal.
Kwashiorkor should not be confused with marasmus. Marasmus is also a feature from malnutrition. What makes it different from kwashiorkor is marasmus is a disease caused by deficiency of all macronutrients which means a diet that lacks carbohydrate, protein and fat. This is in contrast with kwashiorkor as the disease is mainly caused by protein. Symptoms of marasmus include weight loss, diarrhoea and stomach shrinkage. Marasmus and kwashiorkor may actually occur simultaneously and this is clinically known as protein-energy malnutrition.
Kwashiorkor in general can be diagnosed based on the physical appearance of the child. Questions regarding the child’s diet and their day to night life can give insight and clues on the kwashiorkor symptoms or its cause. At times, healthcare providers may run tests such as blood and urine tests. These tests are important to help differentiate between malnutrition and other health conditions. Apart from these tests, since most patients are children, tests such as growth measurement, skin biopsy and hair sample may be done to gain more information on the child’s growth and development.
Treatment aims to increase protein intake so that the body gains the needed protein. However, since kwashiorkor is a disease caused by a long-term condition, treatments are often given slowly but surely. This means that providing high protein immediately is usually avoided as it can cause the body to feel “shocked” and may cause worsening symptoms. Hence, treatment such as formulated milk-based feeds and ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is given in small portions a day in a timely manner. Patients that are unable to eat or drink are usually treated with tube feeding or via intravenous to supply the nutrient needed.
Kwashiorkor not only causes low levels of protein in the body. It also can cause many other conditions associated with undernutrition such as infection, low level of blood sugar, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration and low body temperature. Hence, treatments may include rehydration formula containing glucose and electrolyte, keeping the child warm and antibiotics when needed. Due to the fact that most kwashiorkor patients are children, treatment to help them grow and develop healthily such as stimulation and immunisation is given.
The best way to prevent kwashiorkor is to take preventive measures. It is important for the general population to understand basic nutrition and the nutritional needs for both children and mother. Many health organisations are working to develop formulas sourced from locals so that people can get more access to nutrition such as reintroducing native crops. These health authorities also play a role in ensuring disease is controlled, especially in high risk populations. This includes improving sanitation and immunizations.
In essence, kwashiorkor is undernutrition caused by protein deficiency. It often affects children. It is important to treat this condition as to leave it untreated may cause the child to be left with irreversible issues such as short stature and low intellectual level. This will have led to a generation of the future that is unproductive and unable to enjoy life.
