Kwashiorkor

What exactly is kwashiorkor?

• Origin: The word “kwashiorkor” comes from the Ga language, meaning “the illness of the child when the new baby arrives.”
• What Happens: It’s when a child or even an adult doesn’t get enough protein in their food, causing the body to stop growing properly. The result? Swelling in the belly, feet, and ankles, while the rest of the body becomes extremely thin.
• Danger: If not treated, it can cause serious health problems or even death.

What causes it?

• The main cause is simply not enough protein. Our bodies need protein to grow, repair itself, and stay healthy. Without it, growth stops, and the body starts to break down.
• Children can suffer from kwashiorkor if their diet mainly consists of starchy foods like rice and maize without enough protein.

Symptoms you should watch for?

• Swollen belly and feet
• Tiredness, diarrhoea, and loss of muscle
• Skin changes (flaky rash)
• Weak immune system, leading to infections

How is kwashiorkor treated?

• The good news is that it can be treated if caught early:
• Start by eating more protein (foods like beans, eggs, or meat).
• Gradually add more calories (carbs, sugars, fats) to give the body the energy it needs.
• Doctors might also suggest vitamins to boost the immune system and help the body recover.

What are the complications of kwashiorkor?

• If treatment comes too late, children might not grow to their full height or reach their mental potential.
• A balanced diet is key, and where it’s hard to access good food, supplemented diets like plumpynuts or kokoplus are available in health centers to help.