How can we treat kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor usually occurs after a child stops breastfeeding, and before they reach 4 years of age. It may occur then because the child is no longer getting the same nutrients and proteins from their diet.

There have also been cases of kwashiorkor resulting from eating disorders, such as anorexia , and in older adults. According to the University of Florida Health , many people in nursing homes lack enough protein in their diet. The condition is rare in the United States. Its prevalence is highest in the following areas :.

Kwashiorkor may occur in areas in which there is a limited food supply or a lack of official guidance about nutrition. It is more common in areas that experience low food security, possibly due to a natural disaster, drought, conflict, or low economic activity. Edema can mask how little body weight a child has.

The child may appear to be a typical weight or even plump, but this appearance is swelling due to fluid, not the presence of fat or muscle. When diagnosing kwashiorkor in a child, doctors begin by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. They will look for the characteristic skin lesions or rash, as well as edema on the legs, feet, and, sometimes, the face and arms.

In some cases, the doctor may order blood testing for electrolyte levels, creatinine, total protein, and prealbumin. Children with kwashiorkor tend to have low blood sugar levels, as well as low levels of protein, sodium, zinc, and magnesium. According to the worldwide relief organization Unicef , marasmus is the most common form of acute malnutrition in food shortage emergencies.

This condition affects both children and adults. Although kwashiorkor is a condition that relates to malnutrition, merely feeding a child or adult will not correct all of the deficiencies and effects of the condition.

If a child has been living without sufficient protein and nutrients for a long time, they can find it difficult to take in food.

It is, therefore, essential to reintroduce food carefully to avoid refeeding syndrome. Refeeding syndrome involves life threatening electrolyte and fluid shifts that occur with rapid refeeding of malnourished individuals.

Many children with kwashiorkor will also develop lactose intolerance. As a result, they may need to avoid milk products or take enzymes so that their body can handle milk. Doctors treating the condition will first give carbohydrates , then add in proteins, vitamins , and minerals. 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. If kwashiorkor is suspected, your doctor will first examine you to check for an enlarged liver hepatomegaly and swelling.

Next, blood and urine tests may be ordered to measure the level of protein and sugar in your blood. Other tests may be performed on your blood and urine to measure signs of malnutrition and lack of protein. These tests may look for muscle breakdown and assess kidney function, overall health, and growth. These tests include:.

Kwashiorkor can be corrected by eating more protein and more calories overall, especially if treatment is started early. You may first be given more calories in the form of carbohydrates, sugars, and fats.

Once these calories provide energy, you will be given foods with proteins. Foods must be introduced and calories should be increased slowly because you have been without proper nutrition for a long period. Your body may need to adjust to the increased intake. Even with treatment, children who have had kwashiorkor may never reach their full growth and height potential. If treatment comes too late, a child may have permanent physical and mental disabilities. Kwashiorkor can be prevented by making sure you eat enough calories and protein-rich foods.

Children and older adults, the two groups who most commonly experience kwashiorkor as a result of abuse or neglect, will display typical symptoms of the condition. Sign In. Advanced Search. Search Menu. Article Navigation.

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