Marasmus: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

For an individual to thrive, there is a need to always eat a meal containing all the classes of food (carbohydrate, protein, fat and oil, mineral salt, and water) in the right proportion. Protein is one of the most important of all the six classes of food.

It helps in tissue repair, muscle contraction, and tissue cell growth. The deficiency of protein and energy-giving food in the body results in protein-energy malnutrition such as marasmus and kwashiorkor. For the sake of this article, only marasmus would be reviewed.

What is Marasmus?

This is a type of protein-energy malnutrition that usually occurs in children when the intake of carbohydrates and protein is less than the body’s requirement. This weakens the immune system and prevents the growth of body cells and tissues and the wastage of muscles.

Children in developing countries (Asia and Africa) are at higher risk due to different factors like ignorance, poverty, poor hygiene, and complication of infectious diseases.

Marasmus is common in children between the ages of one to three years. The best way to identify an individual with this condition is by the physical appearance of the person affected. The bones become prominent and there would be deteriorated growth. Apart from the physical appearance, marasmus can also has a psychological effect that alters the mental health of such a person. There might be irritation, apathy, or confusion.

Diagnosis of Marasmus

The diagnosis of can be carried out in the hospital with varying examinations like
Physical examination of the weight and height. Laboratory investigations such as urinalysis, stool test, blood glucose level, and blood cell count.

Signs and Symptoms of Marasmus

The 3 major symptoms are reduction in body mass index, weight loss, and muscle wasting. Other symptoms include:

• Dehydration
• Bradycardia
• Dizziness
• Stunted growth
• Dry skin
• Vitamin deficiency
• Low blood pressure
• Brittle hair
• Anemia
• Risk for infection
• Diarrhea
• Hypothermia or low body temperature
• Lethargy
• Sunken eye

What Are The Causes and Risk Factors Associated with Marasmus?

The causes of are numerous and they are explained thus:

Taking medications that alter the absorption of nutrients in the body.

Ignorance of the nutritional benefit of food.

Feminine and scarcity of food.

Nurturing kids in a country where poverty is rampant.

An infant with a weak immune system is at risk of marasmus.

Prolonged infection can result in marasmus.

Parasitic infections such as malaria can predispose an individual to marasmus

Eating disorders such as Anorexia nervosa can lead to the deficiency of important nutrients in the body.

Obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract (intussusception, pyloric stenosis) can also prevent the intake of viable nutrients needed in the body.

The deficiency of iron is one of the factors that can predispose an individual to marasmus.

A breastfeeding mother who is not taking in an adequate diet.

Treatment for Marasmus

The treatment is a gradual technique, it doesn’t take place at once. To recover completely can take about a month. Marasmus can be severe and this is why it requires prompt treatment. If treatment doesn’t occur instantly, it can result in complications.

There are different strategies employed in the treatment of marasmus. Parents are advised to begin the treatment with powdered milk dissolved in boiled water.

•  Another method used in the treatment is to treat each of the symptoms that manifested together with the consumption of a balanced and nutritious diet.

• Antibiotics and other related medications are prescribed to combat the infection.

• Intravenous fluids are administered to replenish the fluid and electrolytes in the body. They are also encouraged to take oral fluid as well.

• They are prescribed multivitamin supplements to stimulate the appetite and resolve the nutritional deficiency.

• Nutritious food supplements especially protein and energy-giving food should such as powdered milk be included in the meal.

• A diet rich in vitamins is essential in boosting the immune system. An example of such is soy and cottonseed oil.

• As soon as the patient’s strength is regained, they commence a nutritious and balanced diet to prevent the reversal of the symptoms. This must be very rich and calories and protein. Examples are porridge, eggs, fruit juice, cereals, dark green vegetables, legumes, sugar cane, etc

• For a patient suffering from anorexia nervosa, there is a need for the medical expert to come up with an eating plan for them to follow.

Prevention of Marasmus

The prevention can be achieved through the consumption of a balanced diet, health education good sanitation, family planning, and immunization.

Balanced Diet

To prevent marasmus in a child, it is essential to eat a balanced and nutritious meal. This type of meal should contain calories and protein giving food like eggs, but, fresh fruit, fish, and vegetables in the right proportion and at the right time. Breastfeeding of neonates and infants should be on-demand and not regulated while breastfeeding mothers should eat healthy food that will nourish the baby.

Immunization

There should be aware of mothers about the immunization of under-five children to reduce the risk of contracting infections

Health Education

Health education of the pregnant and lactating mother on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding within
Personal hygiene and environmental sanitation are essential in preventing the spread of infection

Family Planning

Family planning also plays a major role in the prevention of marasmus. Spacing children will give mothers the chance to cater to their children adequately. There would be enough resources to support the family’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Manifestations of signs and symptoms of marasmus should prompt an immediate visit to the health care professionals. This will enable the necessary intervention to be carried out as early as possible and also prevent complications.

Your health should be one of your major priorities, stay healthy by complying with the nutritional regimen. The body weight and fat will return to normal as soon as a child suffering from marasmus commence a healthy and nutritious meal.

To achieve the best possible result, parents and caregivers must be aware of the nutritional value of food as well as the recommended strategy for cooking food.