Tsinga – Deficiency of vitamin C
Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency; Scorbutus)
What is the disease scurvy?
Tsinga – disease, caused by insufficient intake of vitamin C for longer period of time. The disease causes weakness, anemia, and gingivitis. Now scurvy it is very rare, most often in the elderly and malnourished chronic alcoholics.
Reasons for scurvy – Why do people get sick with scurvy?
Scurvy is usually, caused by the lack of fruit in their diet, vegetables or products, containing vitamin C.
Risk Factors scurvy
Factors, that may increase the risk of scurvy include:
- Poor diet, virtually no fruit and vegetables;
- Little or no vitamin C in the diet;
- Anorexia nervosa;
- Alcoholism;
- Poor oral hygiene;
- Gastrointestinal Disorders (eg, malabsorption, inflammatory bowel disease, dyspepsia, Whipple's disease);
- Chemotherapy;
- Unusual Diet;
- Voluntary restrictive diet for weight loss or food allergies.
Tsinga – symptoms
Symptoms may include scurvy:
- Weakness;
- Paleness;
- Sunken eyes;
- Sore gums and / or tooth loss;
- Muscle aches;
- The opening of old wounds or sores;
- Internal bleeding;
- Loss of appetite;
- Bruises occur even slight pressure on the skin;
- Weight loss; failure to gain weight;
- Diarrhea;
- Increased heart rate;
- Fever;
- Irritability;
- Pain and swelling in the joints;
- Breathlessness;
- Fatigue.
Diagnosis of scurvy
Scurvy can be diagnosed during a physical exam, based on the analysis of symptoms and diet. Your doctor may order a blood test, to determine the level of vitamin C in the blood. To diagnose scurvy in infants and children, X-rays may be appointed.
Scurvy treatment – How to treat scurvy?
For the treatment of scurvy is simple and effective. To eliminate symptoms and recovery, you need to increase your intake of vitamin C to recommended levels. Increase the level of vitamin C help:
- Diet, rich citrus, other fruits and vegetables;
- Medication, containing vitamin C supplements.
Preventing scurvy
To reduce the likelihood of scurvy:
- Eat healthy, balanced diet, many fruits and vegetables;
- Consume a sufficient amount of vitamin C from food and / or taking vitamin supplements.
