Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition, often affecting children under one in developing countries due to inadequate nutrient intake or digestion. It is part of protein-energy malnutrition, which accounts for 50% of under-five deaths in developing countries. Symptoms include wasting, irritability, and dehydration. Treatment involves reintroducing a balanced diet and fluids, and addressing underlying infections. The condition can cause long-term health problems, and poverty and political unrest can make it difficult for mothers to provide the care their children need.
Marasmus is a type of malnutrition that most commonly occurs in children under the age of one in developing countries. It is caused by an inadequate intake of nutrients, especially protein, or an inability to digest nutrients properly. This condition can be very serious, as if it is allowed to persist, it will pass a tipping point, making it impossible to cure the patient because her body is unable to absorb nourishment due to the physical damage caused by malnutrition.
This type of malnutrition is one of a group of conditions known collectively as protein-energy malnutrition, or PEM. These conditions include cachexia and kwashiorkor. Together, PEM conditions account for about 50% of under-five deaths in developing countries. One of the most obvious symptoms of marasmus is wasting of the body, which results in prominent bones and a decrease in the amount of body fat. Patients are usually tired, as their bodies try to conserve energy, and irritability and extreme hunger are common.
As the condition progresses, skin folds may develop, along with dry skin, hair loss, and edema or swelling. People with marasmus also experience dehydration, which can cause a variety of health problems. Treatment involves reintroducing a balanced diet and fluids, along with treatment for underlying infections and other conditions that may be complicating the condition. Chronic marasmus can cause long-term health problems for the patient which can include heart conditions and an irregular metabolism.
One of the most common causes of maramus is switching from breastfeeding to feeding babies formula and other foods. Women may stop breastfeeding for a variety of reasons, ranging from social pressure to an inability to produce milk, and often find it difficult to get balanced nutrition for their babies. Acute and chronic infections can also cause the condition, especially in the case of children who are already vulnerable due to borderline malnutrition.
Many humanitarian organizations work to address the wasteland in developing countries by creating and maintaining a steady food supply and identifying cases early so they can receive treatment. Parental education, especially mothers, has also been used to try to prevent marasmus. However, poverty, social instability and political unrest can be difficult problems for mothers to deal with, making it impossible for them to provide the care their children need even when they are aware of the consequences of malnutrition.
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