Malnutrition, which is characterized by protein and energy deficiency, is mainly characterized by signs and symptoms due to weakening of the immune system. The susceptibility to infections increases. There are findings related to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. As energy intake decreases, brain functions weaken. Symptoms of hypotension, hypoglycemia, and hypovolemia constitute acute attacks.
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When to go to the doctor?
The main sign of malnutrition is unintended weight loss.
- If you unintentionally lose 5% to 10% of your body weight within 3 to 6 months without dieting,
- If the body mass index is below 18.5,
- If your clothing, belts, and jewelry seem to loosen over time, you should see a doctor immediately.
In the presence of any signs or symptoms that you think may be due to malnutrition, it is useful to consult a physician, preferably family physician.
What are the symptoms of malnutrition?
Symptoms of malnutrition include:
- Weight loss,
- Decreased appetite,
- Lack of interest in food and drink
- Feeling tired all the time
- Feeling weaker
- Get sick often
- Wounds that take a long time to heal
- Poor concentration,
- Feeling cold most of the time
What are the body findings in malnutrition?
Findings related to dehydration, vitamin and mineral deficiency:
- Face: Moon face in Kwarshiorkor, shrunken monkey face in marasmus
- Eye: Dry eye, perorbital edema, Bitot spots in vitamin A deficiency
- Mouth: Angular stomatitis, parotid enlargement, bleeding gums in vitamin C and B12 deficiency
- Teeth: Delayed tooth eruption, spot staining on teeth
- Hair: Thinning of hair follicles, brittle, sparse hair, alopecia,
- Skin: Dry skin, follicular hyperkeratosis; delayed wound healing, bright and edematous skin in kwarshiorkor, loose and wrinkled skin in marasmus
- Nail: Thin, soft, cracked nails
- Muscles: Muscle wasting, especially in the hips and thighs
- Skeletal system: Skeletal deformities due to calcium, vitamin C and D deficiency
- Abdomen: Fatty liver, hepatomegaly, ascites
- Cardiovascular system: Bradycardia, hypotension, small vessel vasculitis
- Neurological findings: Weakness in memory due to B12 and other vitamin B deficiency, decreased reflexes
- Hematological findings: Petechiae, bleeding disorders
- Behavioral changes: Lethargy, anxiety, apathy.
Especially in the last trimester of pregnancy and the first two years of infancy, severe malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia may progress with cognitive dysfunction. Neural tube defects may be seen due to folate deficiency. There may also be cognitive dysfunctions due to iodine deficiency.
What are the symptoms of malnutrition in children?
- Slow growth, not growing at the expected rate or not gaining weight,
- Behavior changes, such as being unusually irritable, slow, or anxious
- Low energy levels and tired more easily than other kids