Kwashiorkor Case Study

Section A

Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor is caused by the insufficient intake of protein but with sufficient intake of calories (Scheinfeld, 2015). Children between the ages of one to three years are affected (Unknown, Kwashiorkor, 2015). Kwashiorkor is not confined to a specific gender. The symptoms and signs include: changes in skin pigment; loss of muscle mass; diarrhoea; inability to gain weight and grow; fatigue; changes in the colour or texture of hair; more severe infections as a result of a weak immune system; irritability; a large belly that protrudes, lethargy or apathy (a lack of energy and enthusiasm or a lack of interest, enthusiasm or concern), dermatitis (rash); shock and oedema (swelling) (Kaneshiro, 2014). If it is identified early,
This usually takes the form of a combination of powdered cow’s skimmed milk (protein), sucrose (carbohydrate), vegetable oil (fat and oil) and water (Porter, 2011). Micronutrients in the form of minerals and vitamins are usually added as supplements. In severe cases, hospital admission may be required and more intensive treatment will usually involve: correcting or preventing low blood glucose; keeping the patient warm; treating dehydration if it is present; treating infections with antibiotics and correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies (Unknown, Kwashiorkor, 2014). Of the children who are hospitalized and treated for kwashiorkor, eighty-five percent survive. Most children properly treated early enough for kwashiorkor recover completely. However, children who develop kwashiorkor before the age of two usually experience stunted
Therefore, parents need to be educated and made aware of the diet needed for their children in order for them to stay healthy and avoid getting these disorders. They should be educated on basic measures to prevent and treat conditions like diarrhoea, vomiting and worm infestation which sometimes triggers malnutrition. They should be taught of the different food supplements; how much nutrients and vitamins their children should be taking each day by referring to the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) and also try to grow nutritious foods (beans, soya, maize, nuts) in their gardens in order to gain easier access to these necessary foods. Volunteers from all over the world; such as dieticians, doctors or any other professional with expert knowledge worldwide; would travel to the designated areas and gather everyone together to educate the whole village. If there are schools available in the area with empty classrooms and chairs, the classes could be held there. Pamphlets and other crucial information would be handed out those parents who attend the classes. Funding would be received by means of donations from UNICEF or any Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) willing to