Proteins are vital components of every cell and organ within your body. Proteins are consistently used and then replaced within cells. Your body gets its protein supply from dietary intake of protein and amino acids. If you are unable to get enough protein from your diet, you may develop a disease called kwashiorkor, which is characterized by chronic protein deficiency. Identifying the signs and symptoms of protein deficiency helps doctors diagnose and treat the disease.
Skin Symptoms
Symptoms of protein deficiency can be evident on the skin. Kwashiorkor can cause red skin lesions that eventually turn purple to reddish brown. These lesions can begin peeling and sloughing off. Darkened patches of skin can become dry and split open revealing pale areas of skin between the cracks. Symptoms of protein deficiency slowly progress and can be reversed once proper protein nutrition is provided to the patient.
Swelling
Proteins are essential in maintaining water balance within your body. Without protein, water can exit your cells and become stored in tissues. This abnormal water storage can lead to edema, which is a form of swelling commonly seen in kwashiorkor. This swelling can be evident in the arms or legs, but is often seen as a generalized protrusion of the abdomen.
Growth Abnormalities
Proteins are vital in the normal growth of the body's muscle and bone. Patients suffering from kwashiorkor often notice a significant decrease in muscle mass. This loss of muscle mass can be masked by the edema and swelling often seen in protein deficiency. Children suffering from protein deficiency can exhibit a general failure to thrive, which often results in a child who is shorter than average. These children also exhibit a tendency to be underweight when compared to other children of the same age.
Behavioral Symptoms
Protein deficiency can lead to a variety of behavioral changes that are noticeable to the patient and those close to him. You may become severely fatigued and complain of weakness. You may become lethargic and apathetic. Protein deficiency can also cause you to become irritable and angry. Though these changes by themselves are not diagnostic, when combined with the other symptoms of kwashiorkor, these behavioral symptoms help diagnose the disease.
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