Malnutrition

What is Malnutrition?
 

 

By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD

Malnutrition is a condition which occurs when there is a deficiency of certain vital nutrients in a person’s diet. The deficiency fails to meet the demands of the body leading to effects on the growth, physical health, mood, behaviour and other functions of the body. Malnutrition commonly affects children and the elderly.
Malnutrition also entails conditions where diet does not contain the right balance of nutrients. This might mean a diet high on calories but deficient in vitamins and minerals. These second group of individuals may be overweight or obese but are still considered malnourished. Thus being malnourished does not always mean that the person is underweight or thin. (1-4)

Who is at risk of malnutrition?

Malnutrition affects all age groups but is more common in developing countries and among children, elderly and pregnant women. In the United Kingdom, 2 million people were found to be malnourished in 2009 and a further 3 million people were found to be at risk of becoming malnourished. A quarter of all admissions in the UK are due to malnutrition.
Those at a higher risk are elderly over 65, particularly if they are living at care facilities, those with long term chronic illnesses like those of the liver or kidney, those with cancer or other debilitating infections like AIDS and those who abuse drugs or are alcoholics. Malnutrition is common among the low income and homeless groups.
Worldwide malnutrition is found to be the most important cause of illness and death affecting large populations of children and pregnant women. Malnutrition kills 300,000 individuals worldwide each year and is responsible for about half of all deaths in young children and it raises the risk of infections with diarrhea, malaria, measles and respiratory tract infections in children.
According to the World Health Organization, by 2015 prevalence of malnutrition world-wide will be 17.6% and large number of malnourished population will be from developing countries in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. In addition 29% will have stunted growth due to poor nutrition.

Symptoms of malnutrition

The most common symptom of malnutrition is weight loss. For example, those who lose up to 10% of their body weight in 3 months without dieting are considered to be malnourished. There may be other symptoms like fatigue, lack of energy, lack of strength, breathlessness, anemia, changes of skin, hair and nails etc. in adults with malnutrition.
Children with malnutrition additionally show irritability, inability to concentrate, failure to grow to their expected height, stunted growth etc.

Diagnosis of malnutrition

Diagnosis of malnutrition is made clinically by examining the patient. In addition the BMI or body mass index (weight in kilograms over height in metres squared – Weight/height (in m)²) and mid arm circumference.
Those with a BMI less than 18.5 need to see their health care providers for assessment of malnutrition. Children with growth retardation or stunting need to be assessed as well for signs of malnutrition. Other diagnostic tests include routine blood tests for detection of anemia, chronic infection etc.

Treatment of malnutrition

For those who can eat normally, treatment of malnutrition entails providing a diet plan with extra nutrient content. The diet plan needs to be made balanced so as to allow for weight gain along with provision of vitamins and minerals.
For those who cannot eat normally a feeding tube can be used to provide nutrients directly into the digestive system or nutrients available as injectable preparations could be infused directly into one of the blood vessels.
Reviewed by April Cashin-Garbutt, BA Hons (Cantab)

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Top 5 Deadly Diseases

The human body is capable of many amazin things, but its power can often end in the fatality of thousands. Check out the top 5 deadlist diseases and lern about their causes, symptoms and ways to avoid them!

1. Ischemic Heart Disease

When an organ is forgotten by the body, we are in trouble. With ischemic heart disease, that is exactly what happens. "Ischemic" means that an organ (such as the heart) is not getting enough blood and oxygen. When the arteries that bring blood and oxygen to the heart are blocked, it means you have ischemic heart disease — and a very big problem. If left untreated, t his disease can lead to heart failure and death. Ischemic Heart Disease affects 1 out of 100 people, often middle-aged to elderly males. But ladies, don't wipe your brow just yet, because it can affect you too! Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. The best thing you can do to prevent ischemic heart disease is take great care of yourself and make sure no organ is left behind!

2. Cerebrovascular Disease

Cerebrovascular disease is a fancy way of saying stroke. Either way, this disease is not pleasant. A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted because a blood vessel in the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke) or bursts open (hemorrhagic stroke). If blood flow is stopped for longer than a few seconds, the brain can't get blood and oxygen. Brain cells then die, causing permanent damage. When brain cells die, the body panics. High blood pressure is the No. 1 risk factor for a stroke — so keep that blood running smoothly and no one gets hurt!

3. Lower Respiratory Infections

We all need to breathe. It is one of the necessities of life. But if you suffer from a lower respiratory infection, breathing ain't a walk in the park. There are two types of lower respiratory infections, bronchitis and pneumonia. Some common symptoms of these infections are runny nose and sneezing, headache, and sore throat. Children are also susceptible to this disease. It can be difficult to diagnose lower respiratory infections properly, as they can be caused by either a virus or bacterial growth in the lungs.

4. HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS was first reported in the 1980s, and throughout the decades this chronic life-threatening medical condition has affected more and more humans. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, and it is one "bug" that we as a species can't seem to kick. HIV infection weakens the immune system to the point that it can't fight off anything anymore, and something as simple as the common cold can turn fatal. The virus attacks T cells and CD4 cells, both of which we need to fight off infection. HIV eventually fights off so many CD4 cells that the body cannot battle any infection or illness, at which point the person develops full-blown AIDS. AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency, is when your immune system is not working as it should. HIV/AIDs can be acquired through blood transfusions or the sharing of needles or bodily fluids.

5. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is definitely a mouthful, but a mouthful of something nobody wants to taste. Commonly known as COPD, is it one of the most common forms of lung disease, and it makes it very difficult to breathe. There are two different forms. One is chronic bronchitis, which is defined by a long- term cough with mucous. The other is emphysema, which is the destruction of the lungs over time. Most people with COPD have a combination of both. Smoking is the leading cause of this disease, although some people smoke for years and seem to dodge the bullet! Other risk factors include exposure to gases or fumes in the work place as well as exposure to heavy second hand smoke. Bottom line, stay away from that nicotine!

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