Starvation Symptoms, Causes, Effects

What is Starvation?

Starvation is the worst form of malnutrition. It results from a severe lack of essential nutrients and caloric energy over a long period. Patients can be treated. Even, people can recover from severe degrees of starvation to a normal stature and function. But, untreated and prolong starvation may cause permanent organ damage which becomes life-threatening. According to the FAO, about 14% of the world population is affected by the less severe condition of undernourishment currently. Starvation or, world hunger occurs mostly in less economically developed countries and mainly in Africa. Starvation is caused by lack of money and food supplies in countries and in individual families.

Starvation Symptoms, Causes, Effects

Why Does Starvation Occurs?

Causes of Starvation are-

The main cause of starvation- More energy expenditure than energy intake by the body for medical problems or lifestyle
Poverty
Inability to obtain food for few conditions such as famine, child abuse, being lost in wilderness or desert areas, the aftermath of war or other disasters
Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa
Intentional fasting
Gastrointestinal disease
Coeliac Disease
Diabetes mellitus
Constant vomiting
Major depressive disorder
Coma
Stroke

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Starvation?

Irritability
Hunger and loss of body weight
Decreased muscle power and endurance
Anemia and signs of other specific nutrient deficiencies such as beriberi, pellagra, scurvy etc
Chronic diarrhea
Impulsivity
Hyperactivity
Skin rashes or, dry, cracked skin; Swelling from fluid under the skin
Difficulty swallowing
Severe dehydration
Fatigue
Edema
Atrophy of the stomach
Lethargy
All movements becoming painful
Immune deficiency
Decreased ability to digest food
Shrinkage of certain vital organs
Reduction in muscle mass and consequent weakness
Hypothermia with extreme sensitivity to cold
Irregular periods in female

When to make an appointment with a doctor?

If someone has symptoms of starvation, should go to a doctor. If someone has serious complications of starvation or following situation, he/ she should go to a doctor immediately-

Chronic diarrhea
Difficulty swallowing
Severe dehydration
Decreased ability to digest food
Hypothermia
Symptoms of malnutrition or specific nutrient deficiencies

If you find that a person whom you know has the situations mentioned above, advise him to visit a doctor. Because he/ she may not realize the necessity.

What are the Complications of Starvation?

Prolong Starvation may cause severe complications such as-

Hallucinations
Convulsions
Severe muscle pain
Bones becoming brittle
Disturbances in heart rhythm
Heart failure
Death
In children, growth retardation

What is the way of Starvation Prevention?

Eat enough food to prevent starvation. Maintain a nutritionally complete diet. If you are fat and want to lose your weight, you should cut out the fattening foods, but include healthy foods in the diet.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Drink at least 6 glasses of water daily.
Keep your body strong and healthy by eating properly.
If you are from a developing country, you may see many people who are starved. If you have enough foods, don’t through it away. You can help them by giving foods.
If we can spend money for our entertainment, why cannot we donate to established charities that support people with these conditions? Of course, we should do it.
We should teach uneducated people about healthy diet and results of starvation or malnutrition.
Plant fruit trees and other useful plants as much as possible.
We should support farmers in areas of food insecurity.