kwashiorkor Information - picture, symptom, cause, treatment, history of kwashiorkor

kwashiorkor Information

kwashiorkor can be defined as protien malnutrition which is caused by inadequate protein intake in the presence of fair to good energy (total calories) intake. Severe kwashiorkor may leave a child with permanent mental and physical disabilities. Kwashiorkor is a serious problem in underdeveloped countries, affecting children from infancy to about 5 years of age. The incidence of kwashiorkor in children in the U.S. is extremely low and only rare, isolated cases are seen. 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. Improving calorie and protein intake will correct kwashiorkor, provided that treatment is not started too late. However, full height and growth potential will never be achieved in children who have had this condition.

kwashiorkor Symptoms

• irritability
• lethargy or apathy
• diarrhea
• dermatitis
• changes in skin pigment
• increased numbers of infections
• shock (late stage)
• coma (late stage)

kwashiorkor Treatment

Adequate diet with appropriate amounts of carbohydrate, fat (minimum of 10 percent of total calories), and protein (12 percent of total calories) will prevent kwashiorkor.