Kwashiorkor and marasmus are two forms of malnutrition that often occur in children in developing countries. Poverty and food shortages are the two main causes.
Apart from being in a poor country, this condition can also occur in countries with low levels of education, are experiencing an unstable political situation, are experiencing natural disasters, and lack of food. Kwashiorkor and marasmus can occur at any age, but are most common in children.
In Indonesia, these nutritional problems are still found in children under 3 years old. Poverty rates, difficulty in obtaining nutritious food intake, and not given breast milk, are some of the factors that play a role in the occurrence of these two nutritional problems.
Then what is the general difference between the two diseases?
Kwashiorkor: Protein Deficiency
Specifically, kwashiorkor is defined as a condition of deficiency or even lack of protein intake. In fact, protein is needed by the body to repair and make new cells. This condition is characterized by swelling under the skin (edema), due to too much fluid in the body's tissues. Swelling can occur in all parts of the body and generally starts in the legs.
Swelling is usually accompanied by a number of the following conditions:
- Hair that is dry, sparse, and brittle, can even change color to white or reddish yellow like corn hair.
- Rashes or dermatitis.
- Easy to get angry.
- Fatigue and sleepiness.
- Growth disorders.
- Stomach enlarges.
- Infections that occur continuously, due to weak immunity.
- Broken and brittle nails.
- Changing skin pigment.
- Decreased muscle mass.
- Diarrhea.
- Weight and height do not increase.
In more severe cases, people with kwashiorkor can also experience shock due to severe dehydration. This condition needs to get medical treatment immediately by a doctor in the hospital.
Marasmus: Lack of Energy and Protein Intake
If kwashiorkor is malnourished due to lack of protein despite adequate energy intake, marasmus is a lack of energy or calorie intake from all forms of macronutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This condition is most commonly found in children under 2 years.
Physical characteristics of marasmus sufferers:
- Lack of weight.
- Losing a lot of muscle mass and fat tissue.
- Stunted growth.
- Dry skin and brittle hair.
- Looks older than his age.
- No energy and seem not excited or listless.
- The face becomes round like an old man.
- Chronic diarrhea.
In addition, marasmus sufferers are prone to acute infections such as respiratory infections and gastroenteritis, as well as chronic infections such as tuberculosis.
In addition to kwashiorkor and marasmus, there is a third type of state of severe protein energy malnutrition, which is a mixture of marasmus-kwashiorkor. This situation has mixed symptoms from both conditions.
In addition to increasing the risk of various diseases, severe malnutrition in protein energy can also be life threatening. Even though it has been dealt with, children who have experienced kwashiorkor and marasmus may still experience health problems in the long run. Some children will continue to experience physical and mental disorders due to kwashiorkor for the rest of their lives. Therefore, it is important to meet the nutritional needs of children to prevent kwashiorkor and marasmus.
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