what you should know about marasmus · marasmus: symptoms, treatment, and more 1/17/18, 1011 am ...
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1/17/18, 10(11 AMMarasmus: Symptoms, Treatment, and More
Page 1 of 7https://www.healthline.com/health/marasmus#diagnosis
Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, RD,LD on May 9, 2016 — Written by JamesRoland
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What You Should Know AboutMarasmus
Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition. It can occur in anyone who has severe malnutrition,but it usually occurs in children. It typically occurs in developing countries. Marasmus can belife-threatening, but you can get treatment for it.
The main symptom of marasmus is being underweight. Children with this condition have lost alot of muscle mass and subcutaneous fat. Subcutaneous fat is the layer of fat just under theskin. Dry skin and brittle hair are also symptoms of marasmus.
In children with marasmus, the following can also occur:
chronic diarrhea
respiratory infections
intellectual disability
stunted growth
Seriously malnourished children may look older and have little to no energy or enthusiasm foranything. Marasmus can also make children short-tempered and irritable, but this is usually amore common symptom of kwashiorkor.
Kwashiorkor is another form of serious malnutrition. Kwashiorkor causes a buildup of fluid inthe body that can cause the face to become round and the belly to become distended.
Learn more: Understanding kwashiorkor »
Symptoms Causes Risk factors Diagnosis Treatments Outlook
Overview
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of marasmus
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1/17/18, 10(11 AMMarasmus: Symptoms, Treatment, and More
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Nutrient deficiency is the main cause of marasmus. It occurs in children that don’t ingestenough protein, calories, carbohydrates, and other important nutrients. This is usually due topoverty and a scarcity of food.
There are several types of malnutrition. A malnourished child may have something other thanmarasmus. Among the more common types of malnutrition are serious deficiencies in:
iron
iodine
zinc
vitamin A
Growing up in a developing country is a risk factor for marasmus. Areas that have famines orhigh rates of poverty have higher percentages of children with marasmus. Nursing mothersmay be unable to produce enough breast milk due to malnutrition. This affects their babies.
Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections can cause children to take in too few nutrients. Regionswith high disease rates and insufficient medical care may also have other factors that reducethe chances of people having enough food to eat.
A doctor can often make a preliminary diagnosis of marasmus through a physical exam.Measurements, such as height and weight, can help determine whether a child has marasmus.When those measurements are well below the measurements that a healthy child of aparticular age should have, marasmus may be the cause.
A lack of motion in a malnourished child may also help confirm a diagnosis of marasmus.Children with the condition tend to lack the energy or will to do anything.
Marasmus is difficult to diagnose using blood tests. This is because many children withmarasmus also have infections that can affect blood test results.
CAUSES
Causes of marasmus
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RISK FACTORS
Risk factors for marasmus
DIAGNOSIS
How is marasmus diagnosed?
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1/17/18, 10(11 AMMarasmus: Symptoms, Treatment, and More
Page 3 of 7https://www.healthline.com/health/marasmus#diagnosis
Initial treatment of marasmus often includes dried skim milk powder mixed with boiled water.Later, the mixture can also include a vegetable oil such as sesame, casein, and sugar. Casein ismilk protein. The oil increases the energy content and density of the mixture.
Once a child starts to recover, they should have a more balanced diet that meets theirnutritional needs.
If dehydration is a problem because of diarrhea, rehydration should also be a priority. A childmay not necessarily need fluids delivered intravenously. Oral hydration may be sufficient.
Infections are common among children with marasmus, so treatment with antibiotics or othermedications is standard. Treating infections and any other health issues can help give them thebest chance of recovery.
With proper nutrition and medical care, the outlook can be a positive one. Relief workers canprovide food and healthcare to regions where marasmus and other malnutrition problems arecommon. The best outcomes occur when a child’s parents or guardians know about theimportance of nutrition and how to prepare foods properly.
Healthy weight gain and growth can resume fairly quickly once a child with marasmus startsconsuming more:
calories
protein
carbohydrates
other nutrients
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TREATMENTS
How is marasmus treated?
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OUTLOOK
What is the outlook?
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1/17/18, 10(11 AMMarasmus: Symptoms, Treatment, and More
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