Question

What is Kwashiorkor? Write its symptoms and ways of prevention.

Answer 1

Hint: Several nutritional disorders are caused due to the deficiency of nutrients such as proteins, vitamins etc. For example, anemia is caused due to a deficiency of iron. Merasmus and kwashiorkor is caused due to the lack of protein in the diet.

Complete answer:
Kwashiorkor is a nutritional disorder that is caused due to the absence of proteins in our diet. Proteins are essential for our body processes. It helps in the repairing of damaged cells and the formation of new cells. It is also important for the proper growth and development of the body. Hence, if we do not add protein to our diet, it may cause kwashiorkor.

The person suffering from kwashiorkor show several symptoms such as:
- Color of the skin and hair is changed to red brown as the skin and hair colour are controlled by proteins.
- Reduced weight or failure to increase weight.
- Immune system is damaged which results in frequent and several infections.
- Irritated children.
- Swelling in various parts of the body such as ankles, belly etc.
- Children may suffer from diarrhea.
- Stunted growth.

There are ways to prevent the disease. By eating a protein rich diet regularly, it can be prevented. Eating food with enough calories such as eggs, beans, peas, nuts and seeds also prevents kwashiorkor. Thus, by adding protein rich foods to our diet it can be prevented.

Note: Edematous malnutrition is another name of kwashiorkor as it is related to the swelling in various parts of the body. In kwashiorkor retention of fluids or oedema occurs in the belly, feet and ankles. The disease is more common in African countries due to less availability of food and famine conditions. Children and older persons are more vulnerable to the disease because of neglectance. Kwashiorkor is a life threatening disorder if not treated on time.