Kwashiorkor Disease Essay

Words: 922
Pages: 4
Open Document
Kwashiorkor is a disease that is caused by malnutrition when there is not enough protein in the diet. Other names for Kwashiorkor are protein malnutrition, protein-calorie malnutrition, and malignant malnutrition (Kwashiorkor, 2011). Kwashiorkor is most common in areas where there is famine, limited food supply, and low levels of education. This disease can occur when people do not understand how to eat a proper diet. In very poor countries, this disease is more common. Often Kwashiorkor occurs during a natural disaster or during political unrest because of the lack of food which leads to malnutrition (Kwashiorkor, 2011). In this paper I will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and nursing interventions. …show more content…
Carbohydrates are given first to supply energy, followed by protein foods. Many malnourished children will develop lactose intolerance and may need to be given supplements with the enzyme lactase so they can tolerate milk products.
Treatment done early usually leads to good results. Treating kwashiorkor in the late stages will improve the child’s health, but the child may be left will permanent physical and mental problems. This condition is life-threatening if treatment is not given or comes too late (Kwashiorkor, 2011).
Prevention
Prevention can be done by making sure the diet has adequate carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Fat should be at least ten percent of total calories and protein should be twelve percent of total calories (Kwashiorkor, 2011). Providing a variety of different foods can help the child get all the nutrients needed for a healthy diet. If income is low and assistance is needed, it is important to get aid if possible to prevent this disease.
Nursing Interventions
Education is the number one priority nurses can do to prevent this from happening or to treat Kwashiorkor disease. It is imperative that nurses be at the forefront in educating and reinforcing healthy nutrition habits in parents of small children to prevent malnutrition. Teaching parents and families about a healthy diet is essential. Making sure the family has adequate food and knows the importance of a balanced diet can help prevent this disease and also help
Show More

Related Documents: Kwashiorkor Disease Essay

Kwashiorkor: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis Essay

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…

Words 891 - Pages 4

Essay on Kwashiorkor: Nutrition and Balanced Diet

Deficiency Disease; Kwashiorkor A balanced diet provides the body with all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals required to maintain cells, tissues and organs as well as to function correctly. It also provides the energy and nutrients required to survive and stay healthy. A balanced diet contains six key nutrient groups that are required in right amounts for health. These groups are; Proteins from meat, fish etc. Proteins are involved in growth, repair and maintenance of the body. Carbohydrates…

Words 1587 - Pages 7

Essay On Malnutrition

(weight low than height) and micronutrient (lack of vitamins and minerals). Overnutrition is an excessive in nutrient intake that can lead to the several diseases. According to statistics produce by World Health Organization (WHO), in Africa and South Asia, 27−51% of women is underweight and about 130 million children are underweight. This disease had become serious health problem that linked to the increasing rate of mortality and morbidity. During pregnancy, the expected mother needs to take enough…

Words 2146 - Pages 9

BParker Module11MalnutritionNutritionalIllnessin3rdWorldCountries 062115 Essay

countries. It is globally the most important risk factor for illness and death, with hundreds of millions of pregnant women and young children particularly affected (Krawinkel, 2003). In these communities, a high prevalence of poor diet and infectious disease regularly unites into a vicious circle. Although treatment protocols for severe malnutrition have in recent years become more efficient, most patients (especially in rural areas) have little or no access to formal health services and are never seen…

Words 925 - Pages 4

Strength Training Athletes

Phillips, Moore, & Tang (2007) found a study that stated the more protein consumed the greater the peak bone mass, and it is mediated through levels of IGF-1. There is also the concerned that excess protein can increase the risk of developing renal disease. However, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded, “that levels of dietary protein are not related to the progressive decline in kidney function” (Phillips et al., 2007, p. 66). The chapter on Protein in Nutritional Sciences: From Fundamentals To…

Words 742 - Pages 3

argument outfline Essay

guide, either create an outline, note cards or rephrase each as a question and answer it. 1. Feeding a Growing Population a. Human nutritional requirements b. Malnourished vs. Undernourished vs. Overnourished c. Nutritional diseases and symptoms (Maramus, Kwashiorkor) d. Nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin A, iodine) 2. Basics of Food a. Corn, Wheat, Rice b. Environmental effects of food production c. Limitations to Food Production 3. Types of Agriculture a. Croplands vs. Rangelands…

Words 310 - Pages 2

What is in the Food we Eat? Essay

cholesterol. 3. PROTEINS (1g = 17kJ) TEXTBOOK P309-312 Proteins are large complex molecules which contain carbon, oxygen and hydrogen as well as some nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorous. Amino acids() are the building blocks. A deficiency causes Kwashiorkor. 4. WATER TEXTBOOK P323,324 Required in diet (food and drinks) to keep body hydrated and ensure metabolic chemicals are at appropriate concentrations. MICRONUTRIENTS 5. VITAMINS TEXTBOOK P315-319 A group of organic compounds…

Words 416 - Pages 2

Sc1 241 Capstone Week 5 Essay

negative effects on the body. While protein deficient diets are not extremely common in the United States it is in relevant in other parts of the world. The effects of protein deficiency can be deadly. Protein- energy malnutrition, kwashiorkor, and marasmus are all diseases that are a direct result of protein deficiency. On the other hand, anyone with kidney problems can become dehydrated if they have too much protein in their diet. It is really best to find a balance that works best for each person…

Words 731 - Pages 3

Global Epidemiology Of Chronic Diseases

Chapter 1: Global Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases Epidemiology The cornerstone of public health, focuses on the distribution and causes of disease in human population and developing/ testing ways to prevent and control disease. Spreads light on how a particular disease originates, spreads, and how to control World population= 7.0 billion people 62 million deaths/ 39 mil deaths (63%)=Chronic disease/ 23 mil deaths (37%)= acute disease World population is increasing and growing older in age…

Words 1127 - Pages 5

Essay about Food Intake- Three Days

and exercise. Sometimes it takes some of us to go thru something traumatic before we realized the important of these things. Eating a well-balanced diet with not only keep you in shape, but it will also help in the prevention of many diseases such as; heart disease, obesity, diabetes and many more. Making yourself knowledgeable of the adequate amount of nutrients that you should be consuming every day is important. Knowing how carbohydrates, protein, and fiber can contribute to your health and…

Words 1257 - Pages 6