Malnutrition (Protein-Energy Malnutrition)
Sure! Here's a breakdown of **Malnutrition**, specifically **Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)**:
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### 🌱 **What is Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)?**
**PEM** is a form of **malnutrition** that occurs due to a **deficiency of calories and protein**. It’s most common in **children** and in areas with food scarcity or poverty, but can affect anyone with poor nutrition over time.
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### 🔍 **Types of PEM**
1. **Marasmus**
- Caused by severe **calorie deficiency**
- **Appearance**: Extreme thinness, visible ribs, sunken eyes
- **Symptoms**:
- Wasting of muscles
- Weakness
- Growth retardation
- No swelling (edema)
2. **Kwashiorkor**
- Caused by **severe protein deficiency**, often with enough calories
- **Appearance**: Swollen belly, thin limbs, flaky skin
- **Symptoms**:
- Edema (swelling, especially in legs and face)
- Enlarged liver
- Irritability
- Skin and hair changes (e.g., light-colored or brittle hair)
3. **Marasmic-Kwashiorkor**
- A combination of both conditions
- Severe wasting **with** swelling
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### 🚨 **Symptoms of PEM**
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Growth failure in children
- Muscle wasting
- Weak immune system (frequent infections)
- Delayed wound healing
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### 🧬 **Causes of PEM**
- **Inadequate food intake**
- **Poor absorption** (due to diarrhea, intestinal worms)
- **Chronic illness** (e.g., cancer, TB, HIV/AIDS)
- **Poverty**
- **Neglect or poor caregiving in children**
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### 🛠️ **Treatment**
- **Nutritional rehabilitation** (gradual refeeding with energy- and protein-rich foods)
- **Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)** for dehydration
- **Vitamin and mineral supplementation**
- **Treatment of infections**
- **Hospital care** for severe cases
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### 🛡️ **Prevention**
- Promote **exclusive breastfeeding** for 6 months
- **Balanced weaning diets** for children
- **Nutrition education** for caregivers
- Fortified foods and **micronutrient supplementation**
- Address **poverty and food insecurity**
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