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BERIBERI

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BERIBERI

  • Beriberi is a deficiency of thiamin.It is commonly called vitamin B1 for breaking down the food and keeping the metabolism strong, our bodies need thiamine .It also helps muscles and the nervous system do their jobs effectively.
  • Beriberi can affect the cardiovascular system or central nervous system.

    There are typically two types of beriberi.

  • Wet beriberi – affect the circulation of blood and the heart.
  • Dry beriberi – can damage the nervous system and lead to muscle paralysis.

    Beriberi can occur in infants when they are:

  • Breastfed and the mother’s body is lacking in thiamine
  • Fed unusual formulas that don’t have enough thiamine

Symptoms

Symptoms of wet beriberi are
  • Breathlessness during physical activity
  • Swollen lower legs
  • Increased heart rate
Symptoms of dry beriberi are
  • Facing difficulty while talking
  • Confused mental state
  • Nausea
  • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
  • Paralysis
  • Involuntary eye movements
Other symptoms
  • Chest pain
  • Fever
  • Fatigue

Causes

  • Beriberi can be caused by a diet low in thiamine.
  • It can also be genetic; people lose the ability to absorb thiamine from their foods.
  • Some medical conditions can also increase the risk, such as dialysis or taking high doses of diuretics.
  • People who take enriched food are safe from the deficiency of thiamine.
  • Alcohol abuse can also cause beriberi, Hyperthyroidism, Extreme vomit, AIDS, prolonged diarrhea.

Treatments

With the help of treatments beriberi usually improves quickly. The goal of treatment is to replace the thiamine your body is lacking.

  • Thiamine supplements are prescribed for the shortcomings.
  • These supplements are given through injection or taken by mouth.
  • Your provider may also suggest other types of vitamins.
  • Blood tests are taken for checking the results of medication.
  • The nervous system and heart damage done are reversible if caught early.

Prevention

  • Eating a vitamin-rich diet will prevent vitamin B1 or thiamine deficiency.
  • Nursing mothers should ensure adding vitamins to their diet.
  • If a baby is not breastfeeding, then the infant formula must contain thiamine.
  • Take vitamin B supplements.
  • Cut down or quit your drinking habits.