Kwashiorkor: Symptoms, Causes, and Effects on Children
Kwashiorkor is caused by a deficiency of protein in the diet, especially when this occurs in children between the ages of 1-3.
Signs and symptoms of kwashiorkor include:
- Edema (swelling) of the face, legs, and abdomen due to low levels of albumin (hypoalbuminemia) in the blood.
- Pot bellies: Swollen bellies due to edema and atrophy (shrinkage) of muscles.
- Skin changes, including areas of hyperpigmentation (darkening) and depigmentation (lightening)
- Thin, peeling paint
- Growth retardation
- Mental apathy and irritability
- Fatty liver and liver damage
- Immune dysfunction
- Increased risk of infection
- Hair changes
- Muscle wasting
Long term effects of kwashiorkor can include:
- Permanent mental and growth impairment
- Increased susceptibility to infection and other health problems throughout life
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