Endocrinology >>>> Hypotrophy - what is it?
Hypotrophy - what is it?
Hypotrophy is a pathological condition of the body in which the proportions of the development of the body are disturbed as a result of tissue depletion (a decrease in the growth of the mass of subcutaneous adipose tissue, skin, muscle tissue, etc.).
Typically, malnutrition develops in childhood for several reasons:
- Malnutrition of the child;
- Digestive dysfunctions and the accompanying tissue starvation;
- Impaired assimilation of food as a result of anomalies in the development of the digestive system.
In congenital malnutrition, a number of factors have been identified that affect the development of the fetus:
- Poor nutrition of a pregnant woman (unbalanced with a lack of protein),
- Digestive disorders in pregnant women, leading to starvation of the tissues of the mother and child,
- Harmful working conditions of a pregnant woman,
- Intrauterine infections.
Signs of hypotrophy:
- Lag in weight gain in relation to the height and age of the child;
- External signs: thinning of the skin and the subcutaneous layer (the skin seems to be stretched over the bones - the subcutaneous layer is not palpable, pale grayish color of the skin);
- Digestive disorders: nausea, vomiting, bowel disorders, decreased appetite;
- Muscle weakness, decreased muscle tone, rapid fatigue from physical exertion;
- Disorders of the psycho-emotional background: sleep disorders, mood swings, slowing down of mental reactions;
- Decreased immune system function: frequent respiratory and skin infections;
- Signs of rickets are possible.
Hypotrophy develops gradually and goes through three stages, each of which is determined by the degree of weight loss, long growth retardation, a decrease in the subcutaneous fat layer, muscle tissue, desiccation of mucous layers, a decrease in mental abilities and physical activity.
Acquired and congenital malnutrition is treated by revising and individualizing the diet, treating diseases of the digestive system, increasing the immune status, establishing a regimen of walks in the fresh air and under the sun, and stimulating appetite.
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