Malnutrition Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Malnutrition or what is known as kwashiorkor in the medical world is a form of malnutrition. Malnutrition itself can be understood as an error in providing nutrition. Errors can be a deficiency or excess of nutrients.
Basically, kwashiorkor can be interpreted as a condition in which a person lacks energy and protein intake. Even though protein is needed by the body in the process of forming new cells. In addition, this intake also helps repair damaged cells.
Kwashiorkor mostly attacks children in developing countries – including Indonesia. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that as much as 54% of infant and toddler deaths are caused by poor nutrition. Even the risk of death for children with malnutrition is 13 times greater than normal children.
Symptoms
Symptoms of malnutrition or kwashiorkor that will appear are:
- Pale, emaciated, protruding belly and loss of muscle mass in all four limbs
- Children often look restless
- Growth disturbances occur including weight and height
- Her hair becomes easily pulled out, looks dull, dry, and changes color frequently
- Changes can also occur in the skin, the skin becomes scaly, there are white and pink patches with black edges
- Children will also suffer from anemia due to a lack of nutrients such as iron and vitamin B complex.
Reason
The cause of malnutrition or kwashiorkor is that children do not get food with sufficient energy and protein content. Generally, this is often associated with a low level of the economy.
That is why many cases of malnutrition or kwashiorkor occur in developing countries. Apart from being caused by the low level of the economy, the lack of parental knowledge of the nutrition that a child’s body needs also influences it.
Basically, malnutrition or kwashiorkor is not a disorder that occurs suddenly. This condition progresses slowly. Because it is important to prevent children from experiencing this condition by providing sufficient nutritional food intake.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of malnutrition or kwashiorkor can be done by examining the child’s medical history. Lack of nutritious food intake can be seen from children’s eating habits.
In addition, the presence of signs and symptoms of kwashiorkor will help the doctor in diagnosing it. To distinguish it from other types of malnutrition such as marasmus, the doctor will determine whether the sufferer has symptoms accompanied by swelling of the body (edema).
Sometimes, children with malnutrition or kwashiorkor are also diagnosed with other diseases. The most frequently detected diseases are infectious diseases due to low immunity.
Supplementary examinations may be carried out. For example laboratory tests to radiology that are appropriate for diagnosing these co-infectious diseases.
Complications
Complications due to malnutrition or kwashiorkor greatly affect the growth and development of children. If complications occur, the child may experience developmental stages that are slower than normal children of their age. In addition, children can also experience learning difficulties, are susceptible to serious illnesses, disorders of various organs, and death can occur.
Treatment
To overcome malnutrition or kwashiorkor, nutritional intake in the form of sufficient calories and protein is needed. However, the provision of these nutrients should be done gradually.
In the early stages, caloric intake should be given to meet energy needs without involving protein intake first. If the calorie needs have been fulfilled, then Nisa protein intake will begin to be given.
Provision of protein can be done from low levels which are gradually added. This is done so that the patient’s digestive tract is not surprised if he is immediately given a high-calorie, high-protein intake.
Handling at home can be done by meeting the needs of balanced nutrition for children. The food consumed must be complete containing carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
But remember to give it slowly and controlled. For the initial stages, make sure you involve a doctor’s assistance in controlling the condition of the child with malnutrition or kwashiorkor that you are caring for.
To prevent malnutrition or kwashiorkor in your child, provide food with balanced nutrition. Meet the needs of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
High-value sources of protein can be obtained from animal products such as milk, cheese, meat, eggs and fish. You can also take advantage of vegetable protein obtained from green beans and soybeans