Kwashiorkor and marasmus are two types of malnutrition that often occur in children in developing countries. If left untreated, these two conditions will not only interfere with a child's growth and development, but can also be life threatening.
Kwashiorkor and marasmus can happen to anyone, but are most common in children. In Indonesia, these nutritional problems are still found in children under 5 years old.
The poverty rate which makes it difficult to obtain nutritious food intake is one of the factors that can trigger the occurrence of these two nutritional problems.
In addition to the poverty rate, this condition can also occur in countries with low levels of education, currently experiencing an unstable political situation, recently experienced natural disasters, and food shortages.
More About Kwashiorkor and Marasmus
The following are things you need to know about kwashiorkor and marasmus:
Kwashiorkor: protein deficiency
Specifically, kwashiorkor is defined as a condition of lack or even absence of protein intake. In fact, protein is a type of nutrient that is needed by the body, one of which is to repair and make new cells.
Kwashiorkor is characterized by swelling under the skin or edema due to too much fluid in the body's tissues. The swelling can appear anywhere on the body, but is usually in the legs.
In addition to swelling, children with kwashiorkor also experience other symptoms or signs, such as:
- Hair that is dry, sparse, and brittle, can even turn white or reddish yellow like corn hair
- A rash or dermatitis appears
- More fussy
- Looks lethargic and always sleepy
- Impaired growth and development, including weight and height does not increase
- Enlarged belly
- Low blood albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia)
- Infections that occur continuously due to weak immunity
- Nails are cracked and brittle
- Decreased muscle mass
- Diarrhea
In more severe cases, people with kwashiorkor can also go into shock due to severe dehydration. This condition requires immediate medical attention by a doctor at the hospital.
Marasmus: lack of energy and protein intake
If kwashiorkor is malnutrition due to a lack of protein despite adequate energy intake, then marasmus is a lack of energy or calorie intake from all forms of macronutrients, which include carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This is a form of malnutrition.
The following are physical characteristics of children suffering from marasmus:
- Underweight
- Loss of a lot of muscle mass and fat tissue
- stunted growth
- Dry skin and brittle hair
- Looks older than his age
- Lack of energy and seem uninspired or lethargic
- Chronic diarrhea
In addition, people with marasmus are susceptible to acute infections, such as respiratory tract infections and gastroenteritis, as well as chronic infections such as tuberculosis.
Not only can increase the risk of various diseases, the condition of protein energy malnutrition can also be life threatening. Although it has been treated, but children who have experienced kwashiorkor and marasmus are still at risk of developing health complications.
In severe cases of kwashiorkor, some children even experience physical and mental disorders for life. Therefore, it is important to always meet the nutritional needs of children so that they do not experience malnutrition.
Do not hesitate to consult a doctor regarding how to meet the nutritional needs of children, including the type of nutrition, the amount of intake, as well as what food and drinks should be given to children so that they avoid kwashiorkor and marasmus.