Marasmus Severe Protein Energy Malnutrition Explained

Marasmus is the outcome of severe malnutrition. It can occur in anyone who is surviving from malnutrition. But usually, it occurs in children. Especially Marasmus occurrence in children aged between 0 - 1 year. In that case, their body weight gets reduced to less than 62% of the average body weight for their age. Marasmus also can occur in any child's body if she or he has pneumonia, anaemia, malaria, meningitis or other pathological condition like diarrhoea. This disease can take a severe step like death if the proper step is not taken in time.

Introduction

Marasmus disease is caused by low intake of nutrients and energy. As a result, it leads to wasting or the loss of muscle and body fat. Additionally, the natural growth among human beings is hindered due to this health condition.

If anyone has a significant deficiency of nutrients like calories, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, they have a high chance of getting Marasmus.

Marasmus is more commonly seen in developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa.  Because People in these nations are prone to having poor access to food, They make it difficult for them to get enough nutrients. Also, a risk of certain infectious diseases can occur. Marasmus does not get proper treatment.

What is Marasmus?

Marasmus is an extreme form of protein-energy malnutrition. It occurs when an individual does not consume enough calories and protein in their diet for an extended period. Therefore, in the absence of these vital nutrients, the energy level within the body goes down dangerously. As a result, vital organs cease to operate.

Even though marasmus is chiefly found in children and young adults, others can get affected as well.

Causes of Marasmus

Primarily, marasmus disease is caused due to lack of nutrition. This lack of nutrition can occur due to various reasons such as –

• Poverty

• Famine

• Consuming wrong nutrition or not balancing it properly with others

• Existing health conditions and any bacterial, or viral infections

• Caused in adults are due to the lack of healthy food for a long period

• Maternal malnutrition

• Maternal anaemia

• Pathological conditions in a baby

• Pneumonia

• Cyanotic heart diseases

• Malaria

• Pyloric stenosis

• Lactose intolerance

• Intussusception

•  Anorexia nervosa

• Necrotizing enterocolitis

• Meningitis

What are the Symptoms of Marasmus?

The main symptom of marasmus is the loss of body fat and muscle tissues. It leads to the scenario of a strange dip in body mass index, called wasting.

However, in the case of children, the main symptom of this disease is their inability to grow. Other signs and symptoms of marasmus are –

• Weight loss

• Chronic diarrhoea

• Dehydration

• Dizziness

• Lack of energy

• Measles

• Respiratory infections

• Brittle hair and dry skin

• Stomach shrinkage

• Stunted growth

• Dry skin and eyes

• Lower immunity

• Stomach infection and lactose intolerance

• Respiratory infections

• Rickets that happen because of calcium and vitamin D deficiency

• Anaemia due to iron deficiency

• Impaired brain function and intellectual disability

• Low blood pressure or hypotension

• Low body temperature or hypothermia

• Slow heart rate or bradycardia

Not consuming proper food and nutrients may cause Marasmus in anyone from children to young age. It can affect both the body and mind of a person. One of the typical symptoms in children with severe Marasmus tends to appear tired and bored. They always feel low in energy and spirit. Also, often they get irritable, short-tempered, and uninterested in what is going around them. This symptom can confuse anyone as a sign of kwashiorkor. That is another type of malnutrition.

Risks with Marasmus

These diseases or health conditions also pose some serious threat to an individual, which can be fatal. Apart from the above-mentioned symptoms or signs, individuals suffering from this condition also go through mental trauma.

Therefore, the treatment of mental health is also essential to completely recover from this condition. Marasmus, in the long run, can also create complications like hypothermia, hypotension, and bradycardia.

How to Diagnose Marasmus?

Clinical features of marasmus discussed above are a way of understanding whether a person is suffering from this disease or not. On the other hand, doctors can diagnose individuals via physical exam.

Measurements of height and weight can help determine this illness as well. Patients below the ideal criteria of a particular age often suffer from this condition.

Doctors can diagnose a patient with Marasmus by physically examining their body. They generally check if the height and weight of the person are appropriate as their age. In children, doctors measure the circumference of the middle-upper arm to check for malnutrition. The doctor may also check whether anyone has any other issue for better protection.

There will also be some lab tests to check the haemoglobin, blood cell count, blood glucose levels, and so on. These tests confirm whether you have any infection or disease that can cause Marasmus.

Treatment of Marasmus

• The marasmus treatment process is not instant; it takes time. Initially, patients, especially children, are given skim milk powder mixed with boiled water. Gradually, various vegetable oils are included in the diet as they increase energy.

• Once they begin to show signs of recovery, doctors prescribe a more balanced diet.

• On the other hand, if dehydration is an issue then methods to rehydrate the body are followed. Oral hydration is sufficient in most cases.

• Last but not least, to treat any infections, antibiotics and standard medications are followed. Experts believe that addressing any underlying health issues at the same time helps patients to get better sooner. 

Prevention of Marasmus

Marasmus can be a life-threatening condition if not detected and treated early. The recovery process here is slow and often takes months based on the condition of a patient. Therefore, individuals should consider the following tips for the prevention of marasmus –

• Eating nutritious food

• Drinking adequate water

• Following a balanced diet

•  Maintaining good hygiene

Additionally, if anyone develops any symptoms of marasmus, consult a doctor as soon as possible. If diagnosed early, patients can recover quickly from this situation.

To know more about marasmus, you can go through the study materials available on our website. Moreover, you can also use the official app of Vedantu to access course materials on any other topics of biology. Furthermore, you can join our online classes via this app and our website.