Kwashiorkor is a disease that mostly affects children and is caused by an inadequate amount of protein in the diet. It is also referred to as protein malnutrition or malignant nutrition. It usually develops in areas afflicted by famine or drought or in places where food is scarce. Areas characterized by a lack or reduced levels of education are also prone to this illness, due to a non-understanding of its causes. Poor countries have a very high incidence of kwashiorkor. Infants get the necessary supply of protein rich nutrients from the mother’s milk, but once the nursing period ends, the food that they begin to eat contains only carbohydrates and starch. Protein is, as such, completely lacking and this results in kwashiorkor.
The symptoms of kwashiorkor appear very early on in the child, the most characteristic sign being an enlarged and swollen stomach. The hair develops a reddish tinge and becomes very brittle. Skin color may also get affected. The weight loss is excessive and growth becomes stunted. Due to an extremely reduced level of functioning of the immune system, the child may develop many other diseases and infections. The child also becomes fatigued and irritable. Dermatitis and rashes are common on the skin. In later stages, the child could even go into a coma.
It is important that kwashiorkor is detected and treated early, as delayed treatment will put the child at risk to other infections, and may also leave permanent damage to the child’s physical and mental functioning. Research has indicated that malnutrition in the early years of a child can lower IQ levels permanently. In addition, physical growth is also disrupted. The seriousness of the condition will determine the type of treatment that needs to be administered. If the condition is severe, the child’s blood sugar level needs to be immediately restored. This involves giving the child carbohydrates and fats, which will increase the calories. Once the energy has been increased, proteins can be given to the child. Other nutrients such as minerals and vitamins are also administered in the form of supplements. The child must be made to consume these foods slowly, as the system is not used to processing proper amounts of food. Even if kwashiorkor is treated in its last stages, it is possible for the child’s health to improve. However, long lasting physical and mental problems may develop. If the condition is not treated at all, it could prove fatal for the child. In very poor countries, the affected children may not be able to get the necessary food that will help them recover from this condition. Medical help is also something that is completely out of their reach. As such, the developed countries must make available basic food to these children so that they grow and function properly.