Kwashiorkor: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of kwashiorkor?

Early symptoms of kwashiorkor include irritability and fatigue. As the condition continues, additional symptoms include slowed growth, weight loss, muscle wasting, generalized swelling, skin changes, enlargement of the liver and abdomen, and weakening of the immune system, leading to frequent infections.

Common symptoms of kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor symptoms may develop slowly over time. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal swelling, distension or bloating
• Diarrhea
• Enlarged liver
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections
• Generalized swelling
• Hair and nail changes, including brittle, reddish hair and ridged nails that are thin and soft
• Irritability
• Muscle wasting
• Skin changes, including pigment loss, red or purple patches, peeling, cracking, skin sloughing, and the development of sores
• Slowed growth leading to short stature
• Weight loss

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, kwashiorkor can be life threatening. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

• Bluish coloration of the lips or fingernails
• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
• Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, palpitations
• Cold and clammy skin
• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Not producing any urine, or an infant who does not produce the usual amount of wet diapers
• Profuse sweating
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, shallow breathing, or not breathing