Marasmus - Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment

Marasmus is a form of malnutrition typically seen in children. It can be fatal if not detected and treated early.

Marasmus is a form of nutritional deficiency disease primarily caused by:

• A severe deficiency of protein, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and lipids.

• Infections from viruses, bacteria, and parasites can also lead to this disorder.

• Children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to marasmus.

Other factors that can contribute to marasmus include:

• Poverty

• Starvation

• Food scarcity

• Lack of education about nutritional needs

• Consumption of medications that interfere with nutrient absorption

More on this: Understanding Nutrients

The symptoms of marasmus are more prevalent than those of kwashiorkor. These include:

• Feeling faint or lightheaded

• Weight loss

• Dehydration

• Lack of energy or fatigue

• Stunted growth

• Chronic Diarrhoea

• Stomach shrinkage

• Frequent respiratory infections

• Dry skin and brittle hair

• Loss of muscle mass and subcutaneous fat, leading to underweight

Certain factors can increase the risk of marasmus:

• People living in developing countries are at a higher risk.

• Areas affected by famine and poverty have a higher percentage of children suffering from marasmus.

• If infants are not breastfed due to the mother's malnutrition, the risk of marasmus in children increases.

• Insufficient medical care and high disease rates also contribute to the risk of marasmus.

This deficiency disease can be diagnosed by a physician through a physical examination such as:

• Skin test to assess the immune system's function.

• A blood test to check for any microbial infections.

• Assessing the child's height, weight, and physical activity according to age.

• General counseling to assess the child's mental state and behavior.

• Urine and stool tests to examine diarrhea and other nutritional deficiency disorders.

The first and primary treatment for marasmus includes:

• Multivitamin supplements to improve appetite and correct nutritional deficiencies.

• Dehydration symptoms can be prevented by the intake of water and other fluids that contain electrolytes.

• Antibiotics or other medications may be given to treat children with pathogenic infections.

• Once the child's condition stabilizes and recovery begins, a well-balanced diet is provided.

• A diet rich in protein, like skimmed milk, and other energy-providing food supplements to increase the energy content.

Marasmus is a severe nutritional deficiency disorder that can lead to death if the symptoms are ignored. Recovery can take up to a month even with proper diet and medication. Along with treatment, the patient should also take preventive steps like:

• Drinking boiled water.

• Eating washed and cooked food.

• Drinking more water to stay hydrated.

• Maintaining good sanitation and hygiene.

• Consuming a healthy and well-balanced diet.

• Understanding the importance of nutrition and ensuring that pregnant and lactating women receive proper nutrition. It is also crucial to educate mothers to breastfeed their infants for 5 – 6 months to protect them from nutritional difficulties and to improve their immunity.

More on this: Understanding Human Nutrition

To learn more about Marasmus and other nutrient deficiency disorders, visit Biology Resource.