Kwashiorkor

On the news today has been the main problem in Africa being poverty, this huge issue has led to many health issues. One of the main diseases, which affects most young people, is Kwashiorkor.

This disease is very common in very poor countries, due to famine, lack of education (regarding diet) and the limit of food supply. It can also be very common after natural disasters. It is a form of malnutrition, where essentially someone does not have enough protein in their diet. The main symptom is a protruding belly; however there are many other symptoms such as decreased muscle mass, failure to gain weight, fatigue, enlarged fatty liver and infections due to weak immune system and Oedema. Oedema is swelling caused by fluid retention, excess fluid is trapped in the body’s tissues, commonly arms, hands, ankles, legs and feet.

In kwashiorkor the body cannot synthesize the proteins it needs. Body proteins, including blood proteins, are broken down to supply the body with energy. Proteins function in the blood to help keep blood from leaking out of the blood vessels into body tissues and cavities. This loss of proteins from the blood increases its water potential. This means that less water is removed from the body tissues into the blood by osmosis, causing the body tissues to swell. The bloated stomach of a starving child with kwashiorkor is caused by this process, as well as a swollen liver.

Therefore the diagnosis, other than physical examination, can be by taking a blood test, total protein levels or urinalysis. Treatment:  Getting more calories and protein will correct kwashiorkor, if treatment is started early enough. However, children who have had this condition will never reach their full potential for height and growth. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. People who are in shock need immediate treatment to restore blood volume and maintain blood pressure. Calories are given first in the form of carbohydrates, simple sugars, and fats. Proteins are started after other sources of calories have already provided energy. Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential. Since the person will have been without much food for a long period of time, eating can cause problems, especially if the calories are too high at first. Food must be reintroduced slowly. Carbohydrates are given first to supply energy, followed by protein foods.