Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition that is caused by deficiency of dietary protein. It generally occurs in the age between one to three years in children. It occurs in the children who stop breastfeeding and don’t get enough protein rich foods. The children with kwashiorkor can have specific signs like swollen body parts, especially their face and limbs. Their stomach can also look big as their liver will be enlarged. They may also have skin problems, changes like hair color and texture and lose muscle and fat....

Marasmus

Marasmus is also caused by malnutrition which happens in the children who don’t get enough protein and calories. It mostly affects the infants who are under the age of one year and haven’t got enough food for a long time. The children with marasmus will look skinny and weak, with thin arms and legs, loose and wrinkled skin and hardly body fat. They don’t have swollen body parts like Kwashiorkor. They may also have problems with growth and development....

Tabular Difference Between Kwashiorkor and Marasmus

Characteristics Kwashiorkor Marasmus Primary Severe protein deficiency Deficiency in both calories and protein Age Group Typically affects children aged 1-3 Mainly affects infants under 1 year old Protein Inadequate protein intake Inadequate protein and calorie intake Edema Presents with edema (swelling) No edema Abdomen Distended abdomen due to liver enlargement No significant abdominal distention Appearance Muscle wasting, subcutaneous fat loss Emaciated appearance with little body fat Skin Skin lesions and changes in hair color/texture Wrinkled, loose skin Growth Growth impairment and delayed development Growth retardation and developmental delays Main Cause Insufficient protein-rich foods in the diet Chronic inadequate food intake Treatment Nutritional rehabilitation, protein-rich diet Gradual refeeding, balanced nutrition...

Conclusion

In summary, both kwashiorkor and marasmus are the two types of malnutrition effects caused in children. They are caused by differences in nutrition intake and effects on the body. Kwashiorkor is caused by not enough protein intake and shows signs like swelling. Marasmus is caused by not enough intake of calories and protein, which could result in extreme thinness....

FAQs on Marasmus and Kwashiorkor

Q. Can kwashiorkor and marasmus occur simultaneously in a child?...