Health Information

Thin Body & Big Stomach (Kwashiorkor)

Feed children food with beans, fish, eggs, and green leaves — do not give only plain rice, pap (Akamu), or garri.

symptoms

The body will look thin like a broomstick, but the belly will be big like a balloon.
The child's legs and hands will swell — if you press it, the flesh will not bounce back quickly.
The face may look round like the moon, but that does not mean the child is healthy.
The legs and face may swell.
Hair that used to be black may turn brown or reddish. If you pull it gently, it will come off easily.
The skin may peel or wound easily, even with a small fall — this is because the skin is now very weak.
The child will not be active — they will appear dull.
The child may cry without tears.
The child's cry will be low — not loud like it should be — because the body is very weak.

causes

A child may get it if they are not eating enough food that contains protein.
Protein is the part of food that helps the body grow strong and well.
It can happen when a person only eats rice, pap, or yam without adding beans, fish, or soup. These foods are good but they do not help the body grow — protein is what helps the body grow.
It can happen if someone does not eat well after an illness like watery stool (diarrhea).
A child who is stopped from breastfeeding too early and is not fed properly may get it.

effects

The child will not grow well.
The body will not have strength to fight diseases.
The child’s wounds will not heal fast and may begin to smell or rot.
The skin may peel like it is burnt, and small wounds may grow bigger.
The skin may spoil like it is decaying.
If it is not treated quickly, it can lead to the death of the child.

prevention

lifestyle

Give the baby breast milk only for the first six months after birth.
After six months, give the child food that contains protein — such as beans, fish, eggs, or awara.
Cook soups with ugu, waterleaf, and crayfish.
Feed the child regularly — give good meals three to four times each day.
Do not feed only plain pap or rice — you can add beans, meat, awara, or anything with protein to it.

foods to eat (that has protein)

Beans porridge with ugu.
Melon (egusi) soup.
Okra soup with crayfish and small fish.
Fish.
Boiled egg (for children older than one year).
Animal liver (in small amount).
Moi moi.
Akara.
Sweet potato.
Ogbono soup.
Pap with groundnut paste.
Boiled yam with vegetable soup.
Snail — you can catch it after rain and eat it (clean and cook it well).

comment

Feed children food with beans, fish, eggs, and green leaves — do not give only plain rice, pap (Akamu), or garri.
If the belly or legs are swelling, go to the hospital quickly.
Foods that have protein are not always expensive — you can manage with snail, beans, or river fish. Just clean and cook them well because dirty or uncooked food can cause another disease.
When a child's cry becomes low, it is a sign that things are serious — the body is already weak. The child needs help fast.

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Important Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.