Kwashiorkor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kwashiorkor |
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| One child dies every five seconds as a result of malnutrition |
Kwashiorkor is a serious health problem caused by malnutrition, which means not getting enough good food. It happens when a person, especially a child, does not get enough protein in their diet. Protein is super important for your body to grow, build muscles, and stay healthy.
When your body uses up all the energy from carbohydrates (like bread or rice) and lipids (fats), it might start to use protein for energy. But your body needs protein for many other important jobs, like growing and building new tissues. If you don't have enough protein for these jobs, you can get sick.
Kwashiorkor usually affects children between 1 and 5 years old. It is most common in places where food is scarce or people don't have access to protein-rich foods.
What Causes Kwashiorkor?
Kwashiorkor happens because of a serious lack of protein in the diet. Your body needs protein to build and repair cells, make enzymes, and fight off sickness. Without enough protein, your body cannot work properly.
When there isn't enough protein, water can build up in the spaces between your body's cells. This causes parts of the body to swell up.
Signs and Symptoms
It's important to know the signs of Kwashiorkor so it can be treated quickly.
Common Signs
One of the main signs of Kwashiorkor is swelling (called pitting edema). This swelling often shows up in the ankles and feet. If you press on the swollen area, it might leave a small dent for a moment.
Other signs can include:
- A swollen belly, sometimes called a "pot belly."
- A puffy face.
- Swollen legs.
- Hair that changes color (dark, then light, then dark again) or becomes thin and brittle.
- Skin changes, like dry patches or areas where the skin loses its color.
- Poor muscle development, making muscles look weak.
- Difficulty eating.
- Diarrhea.
- Children might also become very irritable or lose their appetite.
How Can It Be Treated?
The good news is that Kwashiorkor can often be treated. The main way to help someone with Kwashiorkor is to give them a diet rich in protein. This helps their body get the nutrients it needs to recover.
Even with treatment, Kwashiorkor can sometimes have long-lasting effects on a child's growth and brain development. In very serious cases, it can even lead to death if not treated. That's why it's so important to prevent it by making sure children get enough healthy food, especially protein.
See also
In Spanish: Kwashiorkor para niños
