Kwashiorkor is a serious disease caused by a lack of protein in the diet. It mostly affects young children in places where people do not get enough healthy food. Children with kwashiorkor may look swollen, weak, and very thin. Early treatment is important because the disease can become dangerous if ignored.
What Causes Kwashiorkor?
Kwashiorkor happens when the body does not get enough protein for a long time. Protein helps the body grow, repair muscles, and stay healthy.
Common causes include:
- Eating foods with too many carbohydrates but little protein
- Poverty and food shortages
- Early stopping of breastfeeding
- Frequent infections and illnesses
- Poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water
Foods rich in protein include eggs, fish, meat, beans, milk, tofu, and nuts.
Symptoms of Kwashiorkor
Children with kwashiorkor may show several warning signs, such as:
- Swollen feet, legs, or stomach
- Thin arms and legs
- Dry or peeling skin
- Hair that becomes thin or changes color
- Feeling tired or weak
- Loss of appetite
- Slow growth
- Frequent sickness
These symptoms happen because the body cannot grow and fight disease properly without enough protein.
Treatment
Doctors and health workers treat kwashiorkor carefully because the body is very weak.
Treatment usually includes:
- Giving nutritious food slowly
- Providing foods rich in protein and energy
- Treating infections with medicine
- Giving vitamins and minerals
- Making sure the child drinks enough clean water
Children often recover if treatment starts early.
Prevention
Kwashiorkor can be prevented through healthy eating and proper care.
Here are some ways to prevent it:
- Breastfeed babies for the first six months
- Give children balanced meals with protein
- Keep drinking water clean
- Practice good hygiene
- Visit health centers regularly
- Teach families about healthy nutrition
Useful Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Protein | A nutrient that helps the body grow |
| Malnutrition | Poor health caused by not eating enough healthy food |
| Swollen | Bigger than normal because of fluid |
| Hygiene | Keeping clean to stay healthy |
| Infection | A disease caused by germs |
Discussion Questions
- Why is protein important for the body?
- What foods in your country are rich in protein?
- How can families prevent malnutrition?
- Why is clean water important for health?
Writing Activity
Write 5–7 sentences about a healthy meal for children. Include foods that contain protein and explain why they are healthy.
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