Question

Is marasmus acute or chronic?

Answer 1

Acute diseases:

1. A disease that manifests suddenly and lasts for a short period of time is an acute disease.
2. An example of acute disease is the common cold.

Chronic diseases:

1. Diseases that develop gradually and remain for a long period of time are chronic diseases.
2. Examples include cancer, diabetes, and arthritis.

Marasmus:

1. Marasmus is a protein-deficiency illness found in infants less than a year in age.
2. It can be considered a chronic illness as it manifests itself slowly.
3. It occurs when mother’s milk is replaced too early by other foods which are poor in both proteins and caloric value.
4. The protein deficiency leads to impairment in growth and mental faculties, emaciation, and thinning of limbs.
5. It is also associated with gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses.