Question 1

can you tell me how kwashiorkor occurs in a person's body?

Accepted Answer

Kwashiorkor: occurs as a result of severe protein malnutrition. It is rarely seen in developed countries but occurs in areas of famine or poor food supply.  The abdomen becomes large due to edema and fatty infiltration of the liver. You can develop kwashiorkor even if you eat enough calories, if there isn't enough protein in the diet.

Question 2

why does kwashiorkor often occur among children six months to eighteen months old?

Accepted Answer

Nutritional reserves: Primarily seen in african countries, kwashiorkor is a protein-calorie deficiency, seen in starvation. The younger children have less muscle, less reserve and therefore more susceptible, particularly upon transition away from nursing. Some would argue that kwashiorkor should be a term applicable to starving adults as well, but protein deficiency edema in starving adults may have other causes.

Question 3

why is there an edema in kwashiorkor but not in merasmus?

Accepted Answer

Protein vs calories: in Kwash, there is significant deficiency in protein intake which in turn leads to drop in the oncotic pressure inside the blood vessels, causing leakage of fluids to the third spaces hence the edema. In merasmus, there is calorie deficit in general but still enough protein intake to maintain normal oncotic pressure.

Question 4

if someone ate nothing but fruit could they develop kwashiorkor?

Accepted Answer

Sure : Sure you could! Kwashiorkor is a disease of poor countries, we just don't have is among kids here in the US.  BUT theoretically if you ate only fruit indefinitely, you would get it eventually.

Question 5

why the deficit in height is less in kwashiorkor tgan in marasmus & marasmuc kwo?

Accepted Answer

Nutrition exam: It sounds like you have a nutrition exam or assignment you're working on. There are many important differences between kwashiorkor and marasmus including protein calorie malnutrition, lymphopenia, a typical appearance, etc. it's an important subject to learn.

Question 6

could i have kwashiorkor if i have fever?

Accepted Answer

Kwashiorkor is...: A constellation of signs and symptoms that reflect severe protein malnutrition.  Classically there is a protuberant abdomen from low osmotic pressure in the vascular compartment. In the peritoneal cavity, which surrounds the abdominal organs, accumulated fluid is called ascites.  Other symptoms are skin ulcers, fussiness, poor oral intake, and fatty liver. Fever is not  specific to kwashiorkor.

Question 7

are there any new, non invasive treatment options for kwashiorkor?

Accepted Answer

It depends: This condition is severe protein-calorie malnutrition. If the patient is able to assimulate nutrients orally, that is the ideal treatment route. If not the other option include gastric feeding (oral tube or external gastric puncture) or intravenous alimentation (iv nutrients).

Question 8

please explain why is kwashiorkor manifested with protuberant belly?

Accepted Answer

Fluid accumulation: The profound protein deficiency of this disorder prevents the blood from holding fluid within the blood vessels. It leaks into the tissues and organs, making them large and waterlogged. The protuberant belly reflects these organs pushing out of the pelvis and abdomen.

Question 9

why does kwashiorkor cause liver enlargement?

Accepted Answer

Fatty Liver: Protein-calorie malnutrition diseases may be associated with low serum Albumin (protein) and "fatty" livers...Enlarged...Because of decreased release of fats into the bloodstream to form certain types of proteins (lipoproteins).

Question 10

can you tell me if throughout kwashiorkor, how does a deficiency of protein makes a belly swell?

Accepted Answer

Fluid accumulation: The profound protein deficiency of this disorder prevents the blood from holding fluid within the blood vessels. It leaks into the tissues and organs, making them large and waterlogged. The protuberant belly reflects these organs pushing out of the pelvis and abdomen.

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Doctor answers about:

Kwashiorkor in adults

A member asked:

Can you tell me how kwashiorkor occurs in a person's body?

A member asked:

Why does kwashiorkor often occur among children six months to eighteen months old?

A member asked:

Why is there an edema in kwashiorkor but not in merasmus?

A member asked:

If someone ate nothing but fruit could they develop kwashiorkor?

A member asked:

Why the deficit in height is less in kwashiorkor tgan in marasmus & marasmuc kwo?

A member asked:

Could i have kwashiorkor if i have fever?

A member asked:

Are there any new, non invasive treatment options for kwashiorkor?

A member asked:

Please explain why is kwashiorkor manifested with protuberant belly?

A member asked:

Why does kwashiorkor cause liver enlargement?

A member asked:

Can you tell me if throughout kwashiorkor, how does a deficiency of protein makes a belly swell?

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