Beriberi disease is a disease that occurs due to a deficiency of vitamin B1. This disease is usually characterized by symptoms such as swelling of the legs, palpitations, and shortness of breath.
Beriberi is a disease that attacks the nervous system and circulatory system, and is more common in children aged 1-4 years. Actually this disease can be prevented, namely by meeting the daily needs of vitamin B1.
Causes of Beri-Beri Disease
Beriberi disease is caused by a lack of vitamin B1 or thiamine levels in the body. Vitamin B1 is needed to produce and distribute energy to body cells. Low levels of vitamin B1 make the body lack energy and cause problems with the heart and blood circulation, as well as the nervous system.
There are a number of conditions that can cause a low amount of thiamine in the body, including:
- Often consume milled rice (without skin) which is low in thiamine levels.
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Rarely eat thiamine-rich foods, such as poultry and nuts.
- Suffering from hyperthyroidism or excessive thyroid hormone levels in the blood.
- Patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing dialysis (hemodialysis).
- Suffering from HIV/AIDS.
- Side effects of bariatric surgery or drastic weight loss.
- Excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (hypermesis gravidarum).
- Babies who drink breast milk or milk with low levels of thiamine.
- Taking diuretic drugs in the long term.
- A genetic disorder that makes it difficult for the body to absorb thiamine.
Symptoms of Beri-Beri Penyakit
Beriberi disease is divided into 3 types, namely dry beriberi, wet beriberi, and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Each of these types has different symptoms. Here's the explanation:
Symptoms of wet beriberi
Wet beriberi attacks the heart and circulatory system. This disorder can be characterized by symptoms such as:
- Legs swell.
- Heart beat.
- Shortness of breath when doing physical activity or even when you just wake up.
Symptoms of dry beriberi
Dried beriberi can damage nerves and reduce the function of the body's muscles. This disorder can be characterized by symptoms such as:
- Tingling or numb hands and feet.
- Body aches.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Eyes move uncontrollably.
- Dazed and confused (delirium).
- Difficulty speaking.
- Difficulty walking, even paralysis.
Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is brain damage due to severe levels of thiamine deficiency or severe beriberi. This disorder is generally characterized by various symptoms such as:
- Reduced memory ability.
- Decreased coordination of body muscles.
- Visual disturbances.
- Confused and dazed.
- hallucination.
When to go to the doctor
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the symptoms of beriberi mentioned above. Early treatment is needed to prevent complications.
Beriberi is at risk for pregnant women who experience hyperemesis gravidarum, namely excessive nausea and vomiting and even dehydration. If you experience it, check with your doctor to control the condition and anticipate the possibility of beriberi.
Make a visit to the doctor if you have persistent diarrhea for more than 24 hours. Moreover, if diarrhea is accompanied by fever and dehydration. In this condition, a person is not only more at risk of suffering from beriberi, but also can experience circulatory disorders (shock).
Patients with kidney failure who are undergoing dialysis are also recommended to see a doctor regularly. This is done to monitor the progress of the disease and prevent complications that may arise, such as beriberi.
Diagnosis of Beri-Beri . Disease
The doctor will ask the patient's complaints. Next, the doctor will perform a physical examination to determine the body's muscle coordination ability, swelling, breathing problems, and the patient's heart condition.
During the examination, the doctor will also ask about the patient's lifestyle and diet to help get a diagnosis. If a patient is suspected of having beriberi, the doctor may perform the following additional tests:
- Urine test, to check the levels of thiamine released by the body.
- Blood test, to check the level of thiamine in the blood.
- Ultrasound of the heart (echocardiography), to check the ability of the muscles to abnormalities in the heart organs.
- Brain scan with MRI or CT scan and EEG, to detect damage in the brain, especially if the patient has Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Beri-Beri Disease Treatment
Treatment of beriberi aims to normalize vitamin B1 levels in the body. Treatment is carried out by giving the patient supplements of tablets or injections containing vitamin B1, until the symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency subside.
Increasing the intake of nutrients rich in vitamin B1, such as dairy products, poultry, eggs, and nuts, also needs to be done during the treatment period. In addition, the treatment of other conditions that accompany beriberi, such as disorders of the heart or nervous system function, will also be carried out.
During the treatment period, patients are advised to have regular blood tests to monitor the effect of the treatment given.
Most people with beriberi can recover with the above treatment methods. However, if the condition is serious enough, such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, further treatment is needed to recover. This is because some of the symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome can be permanent and therefore difficult to treat.
Complications of Beri-Beri Penyakit Disease
If left untreated, beriberi can cause several complications, such as:
- Psychotic disorders
- Heart failure
- Coma
In patients with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, permanent brain damage also occurs.
Beriberi Disease Prevention
Adopting a balanced diet rich in vitamins, especially vitamin B1, is an important step in preventing beriberi. Here are some servings rich in vitamin B1 that can be included in the daily diet:
- Red meat, fish, poultry and eggs.
- Legumes, such as peanuts, chickpeas, peas.
- Whole grains, such as brown rice.
- Milk and its processed products, such as cheese and yogurt.
- Vegetables, such as spinach and cabbage.
In addition to improving daily diet, also avoid a number of conditions that make a person more at risk of suffering from beriberi. This can be done in several ways, including:
- Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Diligent exercise and maintain ideal body weight.
- Ensure the content of vitamin B1 in formula milk, especially for mothers who have children who consume formula milk.