What are differences between kwashiorkor and marasmus
Kwashiorkor and marasmus are both forms of severe acute malnutrition, but they have distinct differences in terms of their causes, symptoms, and body characteristics:
1. Causes:
- Kwashiorkor: It is typically caused by a severe deficiency of protein in the diet along with insufficient calorie intake. It is often observed in children in developing countries where diets lack protein-rich foods.
- Marasmus: It is primarily caused by a deficiency of both calories and protein in the diet. It occurs in situations of extreme overall malnutrition, such as in cases of famine or prolonged starvation.
2. Protein deficiency:
- Kwashiorkor: There is a severe deficiency of dietary protein, leading to low levels of blood protein, specifically albumin, which results in fluid accumulation in tissues (edema).
- Marasmus: Both protein and calorie intake are severely inadequate, leading to a general wasting of body tissues without significant edema.
3. Body characteristics:
- Kwashiorkor: Children with kwashiorkor often have an enlarged liver, swollen limbs due to fluid retention (edema), hair loss, and a characteristic distended belly. The distended belly is a result of fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) and an enlarged, fatty liver.
- Marasmus: Individuals with marasmus have a severely emaciated appearance, with little to no muscle or fat, and typically appear frail and thin all over. They do not have edema or a distended belly.
4. Dietary intake:
- Kwashiorkor: The diet lacks sufficient protein, but may still provide some calories from other sources like carbohydrates. This is typically observed in societies where a significant portion of calories comes from staple foods like rice or maize, with limited access to non-staple protein-rich foods.
- Marasmus: The diet is extremely deficient in both calories and protein. Individuals with marasmus often lack access to any substantial food sources.
5. Symptoms:
- Kwashiorkor: Besides edema, common symptoms include irritability, skin changes, hair discoloration or loss, mental apathy, and an increased susceptibility to infections.
- Marasmus: Symptoms include extreme emaciation, severe muscle wasting, loss of subcutaneous fat, weakness, and extreme lethargy or apathy. Immune function is typically severely compromised.
It is important to note that these conditions are not mutually exclusive, and individuals experiencing severe malnutrition can show mixed features of both kwashiorkor and marasmus.