Malnutrition in children: here is the most important information
Malnutrition in children: here is the most important information
Do you think your child is malnourished? So, follow the article to learn the most important information about malnutrition in children, so that you can deal with your child.
Malnutrition in children: here is the most important information
Let’s get acquainted with the following, the most important information and details about malnutrition in children:
What is meant by malnutrition in children?
Malnutrition in children is the lack of access to the basic elements from food, which constitutes very serious disease symptoms for the health of the child, especially before the age of two years, affecting the growth and physical and mental development.
Malnutrition in children increases the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Symptoms of malnutrition in children
Here are some warnings and symptoms that indicate malnutrition in children:
Lack of weight gain and general weakness
Children naturally gain weight with age, but if the child is not able to gain weight or appears to be constantly losing weight compared to his peers, a doctor should be seen.
Of course, it is not a requirement that the lightweight child suffers from malnutrition, but malnutrition can also affect overweight children who depend on their nutrition on unhealthy and unhealthy foods.
Inability to gain height
An excessively short stature of a child compared to his peers can be a sign of malnutrition, and you should see a doctor to make sure of that.
Too little food
The child must be followed up and ensure that he eats all healthy meals. There may be a period in which the child loses his appetite and the amount of food he requests and eats decreases. If this happens, the risk of malnutrition may increase.
Malnutrition in children can sometimes result because the child suffers from pain in the abdomen and stomach, this should not be neglected, and consult a doctor to find out the cause.
Child inactivity
In the event that you notice lethargy in the child so that he is less active than usual and tends to sleep more, you should see a doctor, as this may be a sign of malnutrition.
Consequences of malnutrition in children
The child must be monitored and the problem of malnutrition resolved; Because it may lead to permanent problems, especially for children under the age of two years, the most prominent of these consequences are the following:
General fatigue and lethargy.
Delayed mental development and muscle weakness and atrophy or the so-called wasting that results from the severe deficiency of proteins, calories, carbohydrates and other important nutrients.
Kwashiorkor disease, in advanced cases of malnutrition in children, and this disease occurs due to a very severe deficiency of proteins in the body, and may lead to:
Fluid accumulation in the body.
Swelling of the face and abdomen.
Hepatomegaly.
Weak immunity and the risk of various diseases, such as: tuberculosis, and in severe cases, it may lead to death.
Treating malnutrition in children
Treatment of malnutrition in children is divided into two parts, as follows:
Home treatment
Home treatment is done by following the following tips:
Change the diet: by increasing the child’s feeding of vegetables, fruits, and important nutrients, and reducing processed sugars and salts.
Taking nutritional supplements and vitamins: This should be done after consulting a doctor to determine the appropriate ones according to the age of the child.
Medical treatment
In cases of severe malnutrition in children, treatment must be carried out in the hospital and includes:
Give sugar in case of low blood sugar.
Treatment of severe hypothermia caused by malnutrition.
Give fluids and relieve dehydration.
Rebalance the salts in the body, by giving potassium and magnesium to the child.
Treatment of infections and infections resulting from severe weak immunity due to malnutrition, antibiotics and vaccinations are given after the child’s health is stable.
Supporting the child’s body with the necessary minerals and vitamins such as: zinc, folic acid, and iron.
Continuous follow-up of the child to ensure that he is gaining weight and improving his eating and health, and giving him vaccinations regularly.
Prevention of malnutrition in children
Here are some tips to reduce the risk of malnutrition in children:
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is very important to support the immune system of the child, thus increasing health and preventing diseases.
Eating a balanced diet: by increasing vegetables and fruits, eating carbohydrates, drinking milk, eating dairy products, and providing the body with proteins from meat, poultry, and fish.
Refer to the doctor: when noticing any sign of malnutrition in children, to solve the problem from the beginning and avoid the consequences.
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