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What Is Marasmus? - Causes, Signs, and Nutritional Support
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr G Manasa , Pediatricians
Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition primarily affecting infants and young children. It is characterised by energy deficiency, leading to significant weight loss and muscle wasting.
Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent life-threatening complications.
What are the Marasmus Symptoms and Warning Signs?
Marasmus symptoms are usually visible and progress over time. Recognising these early signs can save lives, especially in children living in food-insecure areas.
Common Symptoms
- Severe weight loss and emaciation
- Muscle wasting and reduced fat stores
- Dry, wrinkled skin with a "baggy pants" appearance
- Thin, brittle hair with discoloration
- Irritability and restlessness
Severe Symptoms
- Lethargy or unresponsiveness
- Growth retardation
- Motor and cognitive developmental disorders
What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Marasmus?
Marasmus results when the body does not get enough energy for basic physiological function, often due to a poor diet rather than a deficiency in particular nutrients.
Causes
- Inadequate caloric intake
- Food scarcity in impoverished communities
- Early weaning or poor breastfeeding practices
- Chronic diseases (e.g., HIV, tuberculosis)
Risk Factors
- Poverty and lack of access to nutritious food
- Inadequate maternal education about infant nutrition
- Poor sanitation and repeated infections
- Limited healthcare infrastructure
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Get Second OpinionHow is Marasmus Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Marasmus involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests to assess the child's nutritional status.
Common Diagnostic Methods
- Physical Examination: Observing signs like muscle wasting and skin changes
- Growth Measurements: Comparing weight and height using growth charts
- Blood Tests: Checking for nutrient deficiencies and ruling out infections
- Nutritional Assessment: Evaluating calorie and nutrient intake
Medicover's Role
At Medicover, our pediatric and nutrition specialists use advanced tools and growth monitoring systems to identify malnutrition early and provide immediate care.
What are the Treatment Options for Marasmus?
Treating Marasmus requires a structured and carefully monitored nutritional rehabilitation program to restore the child's health.
Treatment Stages
- Immediate Medical Care: Hospitalisation for severely malnourished children, with therapeutic milk and fluids
- Stabilisation Phase: Managing dehydration and treating infections
- Nutritional Rehabilitation: Gradual increase in calorie intake using therapeutic foods and formulas
- Catch-Up Growth: High-energy diets and supplements to promote physical and cognitive development
Medicover's Approach
We offer evidence-based therapeutic feeding programs, specialised pediatric care, and caregiver counselling to ensure sustainable recovery and reduce relapse risks.
When to See a Doctor?
Prompt medical attention is crucial if a child shows symptoms of malnutrition or fails to gain weight appropriately.
Seek Help If
- A child shows visible signs of wasting
- If Appetite is consistently poor
- The child is lethargic or unresponsive
- Growth milestones are delayed
High-Risk Groups
- Infants under 2 years
- Children in low-income or food-insecure environments
- Children recovering from chronic illness
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What is the Recovery Process After Marasmus's Treatment?
Recovery from Marasmus is gradual but achievable with the right care and long-term support.
What to Expect
- Regular growth monitoring and medical reviews
- Nutritional support to maintain a healthy weight gain
- Physical and developmental therapy, if required
- Caregiver education on proper feeding and hygiene practices
What Precautions Can Help Prevent Marasmus?
Preventing Marasmus is possible through awareness, early intervention, and robust community programs.
Prevention
- Promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months
- Ensuring access to nutritious weaning foods
- Educating families about proper feeding practices
- Timely treatment of infections
Complications
- Delayed physical and mental development
- Increased risk of infections
- Potential long-term cognitive issues if untreated
Our Experience Treating Marasmus
We offer specialised and empathetic care to children with Marasmus at Medicover Hospitals. With dedicated pediatricians, advanced nutritional protocols, and a supportive environment, we help our young patients regain their strength and achieve healthy growth milestones.
