Question

What does PEM mean? Name one disease due to PEM. Also give its symptoms.

Answer 1

consistent with the World Health Organization, protein energy malnutrition (PEM) refers to “an imbalance between the availability of protein and energy and therefore the body's demand for them to ensure optimal growth and performance”. It's a serious public illness in India.

Complete answer:
Protein-energy malnutrition or PEM is the condition of lack of energy thanks to the deficiency of all the macronutrients and lots of micronutrients. It can occur suddenly or gradually. It is often graded as mild, moderate or severe.
PEM are often classified into two types:
1. Primary PEM
2. Secondary PEM
In children, PEM is primarily of two types:
1. Kwashiorkor
2. Marasmus
Marasmus Symptoms:
Weight Loss
Fat and muscle depletion
Most common in developing countries.
More common than Kwashiorkor
Prevalent in children younger than those suffering from Kwashiorkor
Cell-mediated immunity is impaired, making the youngsters more vulnerable to infections.
Mild or moderate PEM are best judged by anthropometry; regular weighing, for monitoring growth, could also be a useful control strategy.Because infections play such a crucial role in PEM, three practical approaches-immunization, deworming of youngsters , and oral rehydration therapy for diarrhea-are discussed.
In patients with severe PEM, the primary stage of treatment consists of correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalances, treating infection with antibiotics that don't affect protein synthesis, and addressing related medical problems.

Note:
There are several factors thanks to protein energy malnutrition deficiency like the status of PEM was severe, PEM thanks to several factors behind it like socioeconomic status, low income, low education, diarrhoea, age and gender.