Kwashiorkor is a type of severe malnutrition caused by a lack of protein in the diet and causes symptoms such as swelling in the belly, face, hands and feet, as well as weight loss and changes in skin and hair color.
The exact cause of Kwashiorkor type malnutrition is not fully known, but it occurs more frequently in African countries, mainly in agricultural or rural communities, in times of hunger, when the diet becomes based on the consumption of carbohydrates, such as cassava, corn or rice.
Kwashiorkor is a serious condition that occurs mainly in children, affecting their development. It is important that the pediatrician or nutritionist is consulted so that the diagnosis can be made and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Sintomas de Kwashiorkor
The main symptoms of Kwashiorkor are:
- Swollen belly or swelling in the feet, hands or ankles;
- Round face, known as “moon face”;
- Deficiencies or growth retardation in children;
- Dry, brittle hair that falls out easily;
- Thin, dry and shiny skin or with red spots, which may become darker;
- Wavy or cracked nails;
- Excessive tiredness and drowsiness.
Furthermore, other symptoms are diarrhea, loss of muscle mass and atrophy, extreme thinness or altered level of consciousness, for example.
It is also common for liver enlargement, called hepatomegaly, in addition to a deficiency of micronutrients, such as vitamins A and D, folic acid and iron, and one or more nutrients essential for growth, including proteins, electrolytes and zinc.
Due to nutritional deficiencies, there is also a change in the functioning of the immune system, which increases the risk of infections, such as sepsis, pneumonia and gastroenteritis.
What is the difference between Kwashiorkor and marasmus?
Both Kwashiorkor and marasmus are types of malnutrition.
However, marasmus is characterized by being a consequence of a diet low in carbohydrates and fat, and does not cause fluid retention and swelling in the body.
Kwashiorkor is characterized by inadequate protein intake, in the presence of adequate caloric intake, causing swelling in the body.
However, there is also malnutrition of the marasmatic Kwashiorkor type, in which there is a great nutritional poverty of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Learn more about marasmus.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of Kwashiorkor malnutrition is made by a pediatrician, general practitioner or nutritionist, through the assessment of symptoms and physical examination, observing whether there is swelling in the feet, ankles and belly, which is very characteristic of this disease.
Although the diagnosis of Kwashiorkor is essentially clinical, the doctor must request blood and urine tests, in order to measure the signs of malnutrition, through the assessment of protein and sugar levels in the blood.
Which doctor to consult?
In the case of suspected Kwashiorkor malnutrition, you should consult a nutritionist, who is a doctor who specializes in evaluating and diagnosing nutritional deficiencies and deficiencies, indicating the best treatment on an individual basis.
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Possible causes
Kwashiorkor is caused by a protein deficiency in the diet, which leads to an imbalance of fluids in the body, which accumulate in the tissues, causing swelling in the feet, ankles and belly, which are characteristic of this type of malnutrition.
Furthermore, other symptoms may arise as proteins are important for the repair and production of cells in the body, muscles, as well as participating in many metabolic processes.
Proteins are also very important in childhood, during growth and during pregnancy, so in their absence, the body’s growth and functions are compromised. See how to know if your child is the right weight.
Kwashiorkor is more common in countries such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and Central America, occurring more frequently in periods of hunger and food shortages, ingesting little or no protein and basing the diet on the consumption of carbohydrates.
How the treatment is carried out
Kwashiorkor must be treated according to the guidance of the doctor and nutritionist, recommending the consumption of foods with a higher content of carbohydrates and fats and after receiving sufficient energy from these foods, foods rich in protein should then be introduced.
Calories must be increased gradually so that the body adjusts to this nutritional increase. Your doctor may also recommend adding vitamin and mineral supplements to your diet.
Even with this treatment, children who have had Kwashiorkor disease may never reach their growth and weight gain potential.
This happens very often when treatment is carried out too late, which can cause permanent physical and mental disabilities in the child.
How should the diet be
After gradual adaptation, foods with adequate amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrates should be consumed.
Proteins can be found in foods such as seafood, eggs, meat, beans, nuts and seeds, for example. Discover more foods rich in protein.
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