What is Scurvy?
Scurvy, a result of prolonged vitamin C deficiency, is linked to socioeconomic status and health issues like cancer or kidney diseases arising from inadequate dietary intake or malabsorption.
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Get A Second OpinionScurvy is prevalent in children aged six to twelve months with insufficient fruit or vegetable intake, as well as those with poor diets, mental illness, or physical disabilities.
Vitamin C deficiency commonly affects older adults due to dietary restrictions, resulting in symptoms like impaired wound healing, bleeding, and weakness.
Vitamin C, essential for collagen synthesis, iron absorption, and immune function, aids in wound healing and maintains overall health.
Additionally, excess intake of vitamin C can cause the following conditions:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Urinary calculi
- Iron overload
- Urine acidification
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Sleeping disorders
What are the symptoms of scurvy?
Vitamin C deficiency symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Feeling of sickness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Weak bones
- Painful joints and muscles
- Dry and damaged skin
- Easy bruising of the skin
- Slow healing of wounds
- Bleeding gums
- Dry splitting hair
- Anaemia
- Corkscrew-shaped body hair
- Eye dryness
- Irritation in the eye
- Poor Immunity
- Tooth loss
- Weight gain
- Spoon-shaped looking fingernails
When to see a doctor?
Consult your general physician if you experience any of the above symptoms. They may indicate various health issues, prompting diagnostic tests for confirmation, including vitamin C deficiency.
What are the causes of scurvy?
Scurvy is caused by the consumption of insufficient amounts of vitamin C in the diet for nearly three months. A diet lacking fresh fruits and vegetables might lead to vitamin C insufficiency. Furthermore, vitamin C is sensitive to heat so cooking might reduce its nutritional benefits.
What are the risk factors of scurvy?
There are some risk factors for scurvy, such as:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Using illegal drugs
- Having neurological conditions
- Getting radiation and chemotherapy
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Dieting - eating only selected foods
- Being undernourished as a result of poor care
- Frequently avoiding fresh fruits and vegetables
- Smoking
- Eating disorder
What are the complications of scurvy?
- Jaundice
- Haemorrhage and its consequences
- Cardiovascular diseases
How is scurvy diagnosed?
Scurvy diagnosis involves medical history, physical exam, and blood test, with treatment focusing on vitamin C-rich foods and supplements.
Your doctor will ask you for your medical history and perform a physical examination to diagnose the symptoms.
The doctor assesses dietary habits and symptom improvement post-enrichment with vitamin C supplements, fresh fruits, and vegetables to diagnose scurvy.
Blood tests confirm scurvy with ascorbic acid levels < 11 µmol/L, while radiologic findings assess bone damage and growth issues in children.
What are the treatments for scurvy?
Treatments for scurvy include:
- Increase consumption of vitamin C-rich foods.
- Take oral vitamin C supplements.
- Address underlying causes of vitamin C deficiency.
- Consider intravenous vitamin C in severe cases.
- Monitor and manage symptoms effectively.
Do's and Don’ts
To prevent scurvy symptoms, follow do's and don'ts for adequate vitamin C intake through foods or supplements, and consider treatable options such as citrus fruits, vegetables, or vitamin C tablets for management.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Regular dental check-ups | Consume alcohol |
| Regular health check-ups | Smoke |
| Take vitamin C supplements | Use illegal drugs |
| Adapt healthy lifestyle habits | Lead a sedentary lifestyle |
| Eat a nutritious diet | Eat unhealthy foods |
Follow do's and don'ts to prevent scurvy, its symptoms, and complications; a nutritious diet or vitamin C tablets can avert deficiency and promote health.
Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover hospitals, our skilled general physicians and nutritionists provide superior scurvy treatment. With a multidisciplinary approach and affordable, high-quality services, we ensure satisfactory healthcare outcomes.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Scurvy disease symptoms include bleeding gums, fatigue, joint pain, bruising of the skin, and tooth loss.
Bleeding gums are a common symptom of scurvy, indicating a deficiency of vitamin C in the body.
Signs and symptoms of scurvy typically include swollen and bleeding gums, fatigue, joint pain, easy bruising, and tooth loss.
If you suspect you have scurvy or are experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums and fatigue, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
