Child Malnutrition: How To Detect Early Signs & Start Treatment Before Its Too Late
Did you know that 45 to 50% of children less than 5 years of age suffer from a condition that marks slow or even stunted physical and mental growth. Their brain is smaller, not fully developed, and they are physically underdeveloped – because they have not received adequate nutrition and a balanced diet when growing up.
Did you know childhood malnutrition can be prevented and treated?
However, if a child is suffering from malnutrition, it is necessary to detect early signs and symptoms to treat the condition which might require both dietary and medical intervention.
Episode 4 of KASHF Sehat Ka Paigham educates mothers and families on how to not only ensure that the child is meeting all his nutritional needs, but also, how to detect malnutrition and start timely treatment.
- Signs of Childhood Malnutrition
If a child’s growth is slower than expected, their nutrition should be monitored for deficiencies.
In addition, the child might be cranky, have disrupted sleep and be constantly hungry and irritable. He or she might be inactive or dull.
An obvious sign of malnourished children is also when the head of the child appears larger than the rest of the body.
Children need regular pediatrician checkups. This will help monitor their growth: weight, height, level of activity according to their age. A growth chart is an essential guide to help doctors monitor that the baby is within a healthy growth range.
- Causes of Childhood Malnutrition
An infant can experience malnutrition due to various factors:
If the pregnant mother had nutritional deficiencies, she may pass them on to her baby. If the family follows poor dietary habits, for example, a diet lacking in whole fruits, vegetables and meat and promotes unhealthy eating habits like consumption of sugary treats; chocolate, mithai, sugar-laden drinks, the child can develop nutritional deficiencies.
If the child is not receiving adequate proteins and carbohydrates, meat and fresh food.
- Treatment is Possible for Childhood Malnourishment
Treatment includes a change in diet, the addition of fresh fruits, lean meat and vegetables and an active lifestyle.
A critical way to break the cycle of malnourishment within our society?
A girl child must receive adequate nutrition including protein and meat just like the boys in the family as her body will need to be strong to ensure she gives birth to babies without nutritional deficiencies.
Healthy lifestyle choices that can help your child receive better nutrition include preparing fresh foods like sooji (semolina) instead of store-bought baby cereals; adding fresh vegetables, lentils (daal), beans and meat to the child’s diet as opposed to processed foods.
The sooner a child’s diet transitions to the food the entire family is consuming, the better nutrition he will receive and hence, lower the chances of malnutrition and disease.
Child malnourishment is a serious condition which, if not treated on time, might prove fatal for the child. It can result in a low blood count, inability to fight infections as the child’s body is too weak to maintain strong immunity against disease and, lead to slow brain development as well as affect the child’s immune system – a condition referred to as Marasmus or Korsakoff disease.
So, what’s the solution? How can parents ensure their children get the right nutrition without breaking the bank? Listen to the full episode now to hear expert insights from Dr. Shaheen Zafar!
Catch Episode 4 of Sehat Ka Paigham now on KASHF Foundation’s YouTube channel, and stay connected with us on Instagram @kashffoundation for updates on upcoming episodes!
About Sehat Ka Paigham
KASHF Foundation’s *Sehat Ka Paigham* podcast is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women and families with essential knowledge about maternal and child health. Each episode brings together leading experts to address critical topics like breastfeeding, malnutrition, pregnancy complications, and growth stunting in children. Designed to educate and debunk myths, these eight episodic podcasts focus on providing actionable advice rooted in research conducted in rural Pakistan. With renowned host Sania Saeed at the helm, *Sehat Ka Paigham* is bridging the gap between expert insights and community awareness, ensuring healthier futures for mothers and children across the country.
