Malnutrition is one of nutritional disorder majorly in developing countries in which there is lack of adequate nutrition. Malnutrition increases the risk of infectious disease and weakens the immune system. Malnutrition is defined by either inadequate or excess intake of nutrients such as proteins and vitamins. In this diet is rich in calories and deficient in vitamins and minerals .
Causes–
• Lack of proper diet
• Mental health problems –depression , anorexia nervosa , bulimia
• Digestive disorders –ulcerative colitis , celiac disease , people with regular diarrhoea and vomiting .
• Alcoholism
• Shortage of food
• Lack of breast feeding
A malnourished patient shows significant signs of –
• Dryness of eyes
• Angular stomatitis , cheilitis , parotid enlargement , spongy bleeding gums
• Dull, brittle hair and alopecia
• Loose wrinkled skin
• Wasting of muscles
• Impaired memory , development delay
• Depression
• Weight loss
• Problems in fertility
• Irritability
• Long time for healing
• Lowering of body temperature
• Inability to concentrate
Physically malnourished children appear to be thin, with swollen hands and feet , these malnourished children are more prone to infectious diseases . Measels is one of major cause of malnutrition in kids . Inadequate food intake ,infections , psychosocial factors, environment and genetic factors all contribute to malnutrition .
Malnutrition in women – Women have more nutritional requirements than men .Early marriage , childbearing women , frequent pregnancies with short interval and breast feeding women all these factors pose a nutritional burden on women .
Women needs major minerals and vitamins in more quantity as- iron, iodine , calcium, folic acid , vitamin A , vitamin C , vitamin K.
Good hygiene , proper sanitation and hygiene palys good role in preventing malnutrition .
Malnutrition increases the risk of early death . Malnutrition includes marasmus and cretinism . Inadequate food intake, infections, psychosocial deprivation, the environment, and perhaps genetics contribute
Management –
• Improved water supply, sanitation and hygiene.
• Educating people for healthy diet.
• Maintaining right balance of – carbohydrates , fruits and vegetables , proteins and fats
We have a strong web presence all across the globe with patients in major countries like United States, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Canada, United Kingdom, most European countries, & even smaller counties like Uganda, Nepal, Bangladesh and many more.
We have a very efficient team of doctors which includes the right combination of highly experienced doctors and the doctors of the new age.
Our main aim is to make the patient comfortable so that the case can be taken with ease and the patient be treated properly.
** The text on this website is sourced from websites like emedicine and/or other verified material by government agencies around the globe along with valuable inputs and additions by our team. The content of this page is proofread and updated by the team of doctors, every once in a while, to provide the most accurate information.
