What is Kwashiorkor Quizlet: A Comprehensive Study Guide

October 26, 2025 •

2 min read

According to flashcard sets on Quizlet, kwashiorkor is defined as acute childhood protein malnutrition. This severe nutritional deficiency, which is distinct from other forms of starvation, leads to characteristic swelling, skin changes, and developmental issues.

Quick Summary

This article details the definition of kwashiorkor as severe protein malnutrition, outlines its causes, explores characteristic symptoms like edema, and compares it to marasmus for educational purposes.

Key Points

Definition: Kwashiorkor is a form of severe protein-energy malnutrition caused by an insufficient protein intake, often with adequate caloric intake from carbohydrates.
Primary Symptom: The defining feature is edema, or generalized swelling, due to low blood protein levels, which can mask the true severity of the malnutrition.
Cause: It frequently affects children who have been weaned from breast milk onto a carbohydrate-heavy, protein-poor diet.
Distinction from Marasmus: Kwashiorkor is primarily a protein deficiency (with edema), whereas marasmus is a deficiency of all macronutrients (severe wasting).
Treatment: Requires careful reintroduction of nutrients, starting with calories and then adding protein, along with vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Prognosis: While treatable, especially if caught early, advanced cases can lead to permanent developmental issues or death.

Understanding Kwashiorkor from a Study Perspective

Based on numerous study resources like those found on Quizlet, kwashiorkor is best understood as a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) resulting from insufficient protein intake despite potentially adequate calories. It differs from general starvation and often appears in older infants after weaning. The term originates from Ghana, meaning 'the sickness the baby gets when the new baby comes,' reflecting its appearance when an older child is weaned due to a new sibling.

The Defining Symptoms of Kwashiorkor

Recognizing the distinct clinical signs is crucial for diagnosis and study. The most prominent symptom is edema, or generalized swelling, which can make a child appear well-nourished. This fluid retention is due to low blood protein levels, like albumin, disrupting osmotic pressure.

Other notable characteristics include:

Skin and hair changes: Dry, scaly, or peeling skin, and dry, brittle, or discolored hair.
Enlarged liver: Fatty infiltrates cause hepatomegaly.
Muscle wasting: Significant muscle loss occurs despite some fat retention.
Behavioral changes: Children may be apathetic, irritable, and lethargic.
Weakened immunity: Increased susceptibility to infections.
Stunted growth: Long-term malnutrition hinders growth and development.

Comparing Kwashiorkor and Marasmus

Quizlet resources often highlight the need to differentiate kwashiorkor from marasmus, another severe PEM form. Kwashiorkor is primarily a protein deficiency with edema, while marasmus is a deficiency of all macronutrients leading to severe wasting.


Feature	Kwashiorkor	Marasmus
Primary Deficiency	Protein	Protein and calories
Key Symptom	Edema	Severe wasting
Appearance	Bloated	Emaciated
Onset	Acute	Chronic
Fat Stores	Retained	Lost
Age Group	Toddlers	Infants
Appetite	Poor	Sometimes ravenous

Causes and Risk Factors

The main cause is a diet high in carbohydrates but low in protein, common in areas with limited food diversity. Risk factors include rapid weaning to a protein-poor diet, infections increasing metabolic needs, micronutrient deficiencies, and potential aflatoxin exposure.

Treatment and Prognosis

Early treatment is vital. Initial stabilization involves correcting electrolyte imbalances, providing vitamins and minerals, and treating infections. Gradual refeeding starts with carbohydrates before introducing protein. The prognosis depends on the severity and timing of treatment; recovery is possible with early intervention, but advanced cases can lead to permanent issues or death.

For more information on the medical aspects of this condition, refer to resources like the Cleveland Clinic's detailed entry on Kwashiorkor.

Conclusion

Quizlet and similar study aids highlight kwashiorkor as a distinct severe protein-energy malnutrition characterized by edema. Caused by a protein-poor diet, especially post-weaning, understanding its symptoms and comparing it to marasmus is crucial for students. Early medical intervention offers the best chance for managing and reversing its effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

The correct spelling is 'kwashiorkor'. It is a term of African origin, so the spelling may look unusual at first glance.

The key difference is the nature of the deficiency. Kwashiorkor is predominantly a protein deficiency, characterized by edema, while marasmus is a deficiency of all macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fat), leading to severe wasting.

The swollen belly (edema) is caused by a low concentration of blood proteins, especially albumin. These proteins are responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure, and without enough of them, fluid leaks from the blood vessels into surrounding tissues, causing swelling.

Yes, because of the significant edema (fluid retention), a child with kwashiorkor can appear deceptively well-fed or plump, making the malnutrition harder to spot.

The word 'kwashiorkor' comes from the Ga language of Ghana and is often translated to mean 'the sickness the baby gets when the new baby comes'. This refers to the disease appearing in a weaning toddler when a new sibling is born.

Treatment involves a gradual reintroduction of nutrients. Initial steps focus on stabilizing the patient and providing carbohydrates for energy, followed by protein, vitamins, and minerals as the body tolerates it.

Untreated kwashiorkor can lead to severe complications, including permanent physical and intellectual disabilities, organ failure, shock, and eventually death.