Question

Which one of the following is a protein deficiency disease?

(a) kwashiorkar

(b) night blindness

(c) eczema

(d) cirrhosis.

Answer 1

Answer is A: kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a type of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), that is most common in areas of drought and famine.

Kwashiorkor is due to the inadequate protein in the diet. Once kwashiorkor develops, some of the effects, such as short stature and intellectual disability, cannot be corrected. Children are affected by kwashiorkor more frequently than adults. It typically starts after the child has been weaned and breast milk has been replaced with a diet low in protein.

symptoms of Kwashiorkor:

Abdominal swelling, Diarrhea, Enlarged liver, Fatigue, Irritability, Skin changes, including pigment loss, red or purple patches, peeling, cracking, skin sloughing, and the development of sores Slowed growth leading to short stature, Weight loss.

Treatments for kwashiorkor:

• Antibiotics to treat infections • Gradual increases in dietary calories from carbohydrates, sugars and fats • Gradual increases in dietary protein • Intravenous fluids to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances • Lactase to assist in the digestion of dairy products • Vitamin and mineral supplements to treat deficiencies.