Malnutrition of Protein Energy

Protein-energy malnutrition is a condition where the body lacks energy and protein intake. Without protein and other energy sources the inadequate function of organs will be disrupted, the body injured or injured, and body growth that is not perfect. Someone who has a malutrient energy protein or has a body mass index of around 17-18.5.

There are two types of conditions that indicate malnutrition protein-energy disorders, kwashiorkor and marasmus. Kwashiorkor is a serious deficiency in protein, where there is a lack of food intake, which is a source of protein. Kwashiorkor is characterized by fluid accumulation (edema) and weak members. Although malnutrition is a marasmus state where the body contains protein deficiencies, carbohydrates, fats and other important nutrients. Marasmus is characterized by low body weight.

Protein-energy malnutrition affects many babies, children, or parents and can cause disability or death. Treatment of this condition can be done by providing additional nutrients to increase electrolyte levels and abnormal body fluids. In addition, the main thing to do is treat the symptoms suffered, such as infection.
PEM symptoms
A number of symptoms that can indicate the occurrence of protein-energy malnutrition are a person:

• The board seems weak and tired.
• Diarrhea.
• Body temperature becomes lower.
• dry skin.
• Hair loss.
• Easily irritated.
• attitude changes, such as anxiety, apathy or lack of attention.
• Breathing becomes slower.
• Feet and hands become numb or tingling.

In marasmus, special symptoms that mark this condition can reduce weight, shrinkage of the stomach and dehydration. Meanwhile, specific symptoms experienced by patients with kwashiorkor are edema (the body becomes swollen due to fluid accumulation), growth and weight are inhibited, and swelling of the stomach.
Protein Causes Energy Malnutrition

Energy malnutrition protein can be caused by social factors or due to underlying health problems.

social factors that can cause protein-energy malnutrition are:

• Hunger or lack of food.
• Poverty.
• Weaning ASI, which is not suitable for children.
• Dependence on helping others to eat.

While health problems that can cause this condition include:

• Eating disorders, such as bulimia.
• Taking drugs that can affect the absorption of nutrients in the body.
• HIV infection.
• parasitic and gastrointestinal diseases.
• congenital heart disease.
• cystic fibrosis.
• chronic kidney failure.

energy protein Malnutrition Diagnosis

The diagnosis of protein-energy malnutrition is usually preceded by physical examination, weight and height measurements. Then the doctor will ask you for a diet, a medical history (including a history of eating disorders), and medications consumed. Surveys can be carried out to confirm the diagnosis and look for causes of the disease, including:

• Blood tests to check blood glucose levels, blood smear.
• Hemoglobin, electrolytes, and serum albumin.
• Urine examination and bacterial culture.
• parasitic coproscopy.
• HIV.
• skin prick test for allergic presence.

Energy Malnutrition Treatment of protein

Treatment usually starts with protein malutrients, energy, elevated levels of electrolytes and abnormal body fluids. In addition, infection treatment must also be done if the patient has an infection. If the symptoms experienced by the patient are severe enough, it will be hospitalized.

The case of the second phase of protein management of energy malnutrition is to provide nutrition through dietary therapy. Certain foods are usually dairy based foods. In addition, the doctor will also provide multivitamin supplements or liquid protein supplements, and certain drugs to increase appetite, if any.

Post treatment, patients will be encouraged to continue to make regular visits to the doctor so that patient development can remain monitored until completely healed.

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