Kwashiorkor: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis Essay

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Kwashiorkor disease

Kwashiorkor Disease
Solomon Ghberemeskel
Advanced Placement
Biology­Ben Davis High School
Mrs. Grace Schmitt
September 19
.

1

Kwashiorkor disease

Introductions:

A

disease is a particular abnormal, pathological condition that affects

part or all of an organism . It is often construed as a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs . From millions disease, i took a disease which is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in developing countries like Africa. It is a form of malnutrition caused by not getting enough protein in your diet. In this research paper I will be talking about the Definition, History, Cause, Symptoms, Signs and test,
Treatment with its complications and Prevention of the disease. I’m writing this research paper expecting that you will gain or earn a lots of information about the Kwashiorkor disease in the specific way as you would understand it.

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Kwashiorkor disease

Pathophysiology Definition and disorder of the disease
:
Kwashiorkor is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in developing countries. It is a form of malnutrition caused by not getting enough protein in your diet. Every cell in your body contains protein. You need protein in your diet for your body to repair cells and make new cells.
A healthy body regenerates cells in this manner constantly. Protein is also important for growth during childhood and pregnancy. It causes the distended bellies in children.
Foods
that contain protein include meat , milk , cheese , fish , eggs , soy , beans , nuts , seeds , and some types of grains
. This condition is mostly found in Africa. Children who develop kwashiorkor may not grow or develop properly. It is a very serious condition and can be life-threatening if not treated.

History of the disease
:

The disease called kwashiorkor in the Ga language of
Accra, Ghana means ‘the disease of the disposed baby’. the term signifies that the sickness an elder child may get when a younger one is born. Kwashiorkor was first described in 1932 by Doctor Cicely Williams working with African children on the Gold coast .

Doctor Cicely Williams.

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Kwashiorkor disease

Cause of the Disease
:

Kwashiorkor is caused by not eating enough protein. It is most common in countries where there is limited food supply or in places with low levels of education. The disease is most frequently found in children and infants in
Africa and Central America. It is especially common in developing countries that are experiencing: ● famine
● political unrest
● natural disasters, such as earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes and floods.
These are all events that can lead to lack of food supply.
This condition is rare in the United States because most people are able to eat enough protein. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), if kwashiorkor does occur in the United States, it is typically a sign of child abuse or neglect (
NIH
).

Symptoms of the disease
:
The symptoms of kwashiorkor include:
● change in skin and hair color (reddish-orange color)
● fatigue
● diarrhea
● loss of muscle mass
● failure to grow or gain weight
● edema (swelling)
● damaged immune system, which can lead to more frequent and severe infections
● irritability
● flaky rash
● large belly that sticks out
● shock.

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Kwashiorkor disease

Signs and Tests of the disease
:
Your doctor may notice an enlarged liver and swelling (edema) if you or your child has kwashiorkor. They may order tests to measure a patient’s level of protein and sugar in the blood. These tests are usually done on a blood or urine sample
.

Other tests may be performed on your blood and/or urine to measure signs of
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