Kwashiorkor Essay

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Kwashiorkor Greg Cruea Stevens-Henager May 03, 2012 Kwashiorkor Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition that occurs when there is not enough protein in the diet. This disease is most common in very poor countries where there is famine, limited food supply, and low levels of education. It can also occur during drought, natural disasters, and periods of political unrest. These conditions usually lead to a lack of food for the population which in turn leads to malnutrition. Kwashiorkor is rarely seen in children in the United States; however when it is seen it is usually caused by child abuse or neglect. A large percentage of elderly people living in long term care facilities do suffer from kwashiorkor because they do not get enough protein in their diet (Kaneshiro, 2/1/2012). Kwashiorkor is an acute form of protein energy malnutrition. It is characterized by exhaustion, irritability, edema, anorexia, ulcerating dermatoses, and an enlargement of the liver. The main cause of kwashiorkor is a severe deficiency of protein. Some other causes include disease conditions that get in the way of protein absorption, infections, and parasites. Kwashiorkor is a common disease in children living in areas affected by famine and drought. Vegan diets have also been known to cause protein energy malnutrition. Foods contaminated with molds can cause poisoning when consumed. This is known as aflatoxin poisoning. Aflatoxin is released by the molds in the foods and damages the liver. This liver damage impairs the production of serum proteins, especially albumin. This impairment triggers kwashiorkor ("Kwashiorkor," 2011). Signs and symptoms of kwashiorkor include changes in skin pigment and a decrease in muscle mass. The patient with kwashiorkor may also suffer from diarrhea, a failure to gain weight and grow, hair changes, and a large belly that protrudes like the ones on those little

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