تعريف
Scurvy is a condition caused by an insufficient amount of vitamin C for a prolonged period of time. The condition causes weakness, anemia, and gingivitis. Scurvy is very rare in the United States and occurs most commonly in malnourished older adults and chronic alcoholics.
أسباب
Scurvy is typically caused by a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables or foods fortified with vitamin C.
عوامل الخطر
عامل الخطر هو الشيء الذي يزيد من فرصتك في الإصابة بمرض أو حالة.
The following factors increase your chance of developing scurvy:
- A poor diet, with little or no fruits and vegetables
- Little or no vitamin C in the diet
- Anorexia nervosa
- إدمان الكحول
- سوء نظافة الأسنان
- Gastrointestinal diseases (eg, malabsorption, inflammatory bowel disease, dyspepsia, Whipple’s disease)
- العلاج الكيميائي
- A fad diet
- Self-imposed restrictive diets for weight loss or due to food allergies
الأعراض
تشمل الأعراض ما يلي:
- ضعف
- شحوب
- Sunken eyes
- Tender gums and/or tooth loss
- Muscular pain
- Reopening of old wounds or sores
- نزيف داخلي
- فقدان الشهية
- Bruising easily
- فقدان الوزن; inability to gain weight
- إسهال
- زيادة معدل ضربات القلب
- حمى
- التهيج
- Aching and swelling in joints
- ضيق في التنفس
- تعب
التشخيص
Scurvy can be diagnosed during a physical exam, based on an analysis of symptoms and diet. Your doctor may order a blood test to measure the level of vitamin C in the blood. To diagnose scurvy in infants and children, an x-ray may be done.
العلاج
The treatment for scurvy is simple and effective. To eliminate symptoms and make a full recovery, increase vitamin C intake to recommended levels. You can increase vitamin C levels by:
- Eating a diet rich in citrus fruits, other fruits, and vegetables
- Taking vitamin C supplements
الوقاية
To help reduce your chances of getting scurvy, take the following steps:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Get a sufficient amount of vitamin C, through diet and/or supplements.