Fighting Hidden Hunger: Learning About Kwashiorkor and Rickets in Children
Malnourishment is not always a matter of starvation, sometimes it builds in more insidious, ruinous forms, especially in developing children. Two of these sneaky dangers are Kwashiorkor and Rickets. Both diseases arise from nutritional deficiencies, but in different manners, resulting in permanent developmental, physical, and mental damage. This article explores in detail the causes, symptoms, prevention, and cure of Kwashiorkor and Ricket’s two nutrition disorders still prevalent in most of the world.
Kwashiorkor: The Protein Deficiency Disorder
Kwashiorkor is known as the type of intense malnutrition that is primarily related to inadequate protein intake despite calorie supplementation. It is most commonly observed in children between the ages of 1 and 5 years, especially in developing countries where food insecurity is still a reality.
Causes of Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor occurs when a child has a diet rich in carbohydrates (maize, cassava, or rice) but extremely low in proteins. The lack of essential amino acids disrupts the synthesis of key body proteins such as enzymes and plasma proteins, especially albumin. This results in fluid imbalances and compromised immunity.
Signs and Symptoms
- Belly swelling (edema): One of the most common signs due to fluid buildup.
- Fatigue and irritability
- Muscle wasting and stunted growth
- Hair color and texture changes (dry, brittle, red hair)
- Skin peeling or skin lesions
- Swollen liver
- Poor immunity and frequent infection
All of these symptoms point to the fact that the body is deteriorating internally due to a lack of protein even when the child is appearing to eat enough.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is typically clinical, with the assistance of blood examinations to ascertain low albumin, anemia, and electrolyte imbalance. Treatment includes:
- Slow reintroduction of proteins and calories
- Vitamin and mineral supplementation
- Healing of infection or secondary complications
- Psychological and social support, especially if poverty or neglect is the etiology
- Hospitalization in severe cases with therapeutic feeding programs using special foods such as F-75 and F-100 milk or ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs).
Prevention of Kwashiorkor
- Supplementing well-balanced diets with protein (meat, legumes, eggs, milk)
- Mother and caregiver education for child nutrition
- Reinforcing public health policies to provide food security
Rickets: The Disease of Soft Bones
Although Kwashiorkor has its origin in protein deficiency, Rickets is a disorder of the bone caused by Vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate deficiency that produces soft and weak bones in children. It occurs mainly in children aged 6 months to 3 years, which is the age of bone development.
Causes of Rickets
- Deficiency of Vitamin D: Lack of exposure to sunlight or improper nutrition.
- Calcium and phosphorus deficiency: Especially in non-dairy and leafy green vegetable-free diets.
- Malabsorption diseases: Such as celiac disease or chronic kidney disease.
- Genetic rickets (rare), such as X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets.
Symptoms and Signs
- Delayed growth and development
- Bowed legs or knock knees
- Wrist and ankle thickening
- Teeth deformity
- Muscle weakness and cramps
- Delayed closure of fontanelles (head soft spot)
- The typical feature is bone deformity due to softening of the growing bones.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Physicians diagnose rickets on:
- Physical examination
- Bone deformities as shown by X-rays
Treatment includes:
- Vitamin D and calcium supplements
- Diet rich in dairy foods, fortified foods, fish, and leafy vegetables
- Extra sun exposure (15-30 minutes/day)
- In severe cases, corrective operation or bracing
Prevention of Rickets
- Encourage exposure to sunlight daily
- Provide Vitamin D supplements, especially for breastfed babies
- Promotes diet consisting of dairy products, fish liver oils, and fortified cereals
- Educate parents about the importance of micronutrients
Conclusion:
Kwashiorkor and Rickets are cruel reminders that nutrition is not about quantity, but harmony. Despite being preventable to varying extent, both the ailments persist due to poverty, ignorance, and refusal of healthcare and education.
