Significance of Severe malnutrition
Severe malnutrition is a critical health issue primarily affecting children, characterized by extreme undernourishment, significant weight deficits, and serious health risks. It is often linked to infections and high mortality rates, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Despite efforts for early identification, cases continue to present at clinics, indicating a need for improved management within the health system. Specific indicators, such as severe wasting or edema, define this condition, necessitating urgent medical attention and effective interventions, particularly in regions like the Free State in South Africa.
Synonyms: Acute malnutrition, Acute undernutrition, Starvation
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Severe malnutrition'
In Hinduism, severe malnutrition signifies a critical lack of essential nutrients. This deficiency can result in serious health issues, potentially impacting physical and mental well-being. It emphasizes the importance of adequate nourishment for overall health.
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) This refers to a critical state of nutritional deficiency that can lead to significant health problems.[1]
The concept of Severe malnutrition in scientific sources
Severe malnutrition is a critical health issue, particularly in children, linked to undernourishment and increased vulnerability to infections like HIV. Despite decreased incidence in South Africa, certain areas still face rising rates, necessitating immediate interventions.
From: African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine
(1) Moderately malnourished children who fail to recover in the Outpatient Therapeutic Programme and these children are admitted into the Stabilisation Care Programme at the hospital level.[2] (2) This condition was identified as a contributing factor in both perinatal and post-perinatal deaths, highlighting its importance in child mortality within the study.[3] (3) The incidence of severe malnutrition in South Africa has decreased, except for the Free State, where it increased between 2009 and 2013, highlighting the need for interventions.[4]
From: South African Journal of HIV Medicine
(1) This increases basic energy needs by 50-100% in children, requiring therapeutic feeding managed in conjunction with a dietician.[5] (2) This is defined as very low weight or visible severe wasting or edema of both feet, highlighting the critical impact on children's health.[6] (3) This condition, among others, can elevate the risk of bacterial infections, prompting the start of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, which should continue until the risk is eliminated and specific CD4 criteria are met.[7]
From: Journal of Public Health in Africa
(1) Other risk factors are incomplete basic immunization, indoor air pollution, a history of low birth weight, and this.[8]
From: South African Family Practice
(1) This is a serious health condition where a child's weight is significantly lower than expected, which can worsen the effects of HIV.[9] (2) Severe malnutrition is a critical form of undernutrition, with severe acute malnutrition defined by specific weight and mid-upper-arm circumference measurements, which can lead to significant health issues.[10] (3) A critical health condition where a child is severely undernourished, representing a major concern during the study period, as it did not improve.[11]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) The management of severe malnutrition is a topic that needs to be placed back onto the international health agenda for focused attention and resource allocation.[12] (2) A case study revealed a 5-year-old girl suffering from severe malnutrition, where the main contributing risk factors included consuming sugary drinks in the baby bottle and having extensive decay in her baby teeth.[13] (3) A state of extreme nutritional deficiency that can increase a child's vulnerability to severe diarrhoea and other life-threatening complications.[14]