Emaciation

Emaciation is defined as the state of extreme thinness from absence of body fat and muscle wasting usually resulting from malnutrition.[1]

Emaciation
Photo from 1972 of an emaciated child in India with marasmus
Pronunciation
  • /ɪˌmeɪʃiːˈeɪʃən/, /ɪˌmeɪsiːˈeɪʃən/

Characteristics

In humans, the physical appearance of emaciation includes thinned limbs, pronounced and protruding bones, sunken eyes, dry skin, thinning hair, a bloated stomach, and a dry or coated tongue. Emaciation is often accompanied by halitosis, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, anemia, improper function of lymph and the lymphatic system, and pleurisy and edema.[2]

Causes
An emaciated holocaust survivor drinking from a metal bowl in front of barracks at Buchenwald concentration camp (April 11, 1945 - June 1945).
Buchenwald inmates, 16 April 1945 when camp was liberated
See also: Malnutrition

Emaciation can be caused by undernutrition, malaria and cholera, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases with prolonged fever, parasitic infections, many forms of cancer and their treatments, lead poisoning, and eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.[2]

Emaciation is widespread in least developed countries and was a major cause of death in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.

Animals
Illustration of an emaciated horse, by Chinese artist Gong Kai

A lack of resources in the habitat, disease, or neglect and cruelty from humans in captivity can result in emaciation in animals. In the rehabilitation of emaciated animals, the specific dietary needs of each animal have to be considered to avoid causing harm.[3][4]

See also

References
  1. "Emaciation". Medical-Dictionary.TheFreeDictionary.com. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  2. Bose, Bholanoth (1877) [First published 1877 (2009)]. A new system of medicine, entitled recognizant medicine; or, The state of the sick. London: J. & A. Churchill. pp. 192–199. Retrieved January 19, 2012. Emaciation.
  3. "What is animal cruelty?". The British Columbia SPCA. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  4. "Emaciation (Starvation) Protocol". Anapsid.org. Dec 2009. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
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