Scurvy or vitamin deficiency caused by scurvy (deficiency of vitamin C). Insufficient amount of ascorbic acid in the body, or its absence causes disorders of collagen. That this protein is responsible for the strength of the walls of blood vessels and connective tissue elasticity. As a result of reception of vitamin C cartilage structure is broken, broken tubular bone, reduced bone marrow function.
When scurvy atrophies osteotomy teeth. The disease often occurs against a background of other forms of vitamin A deficiency. For example, at the same time rickets at deficiency of vitamin B folic anemia or with insufficient amounts of vitamin B12.
symptoms of scurvy
The first clinical scurvy symptoms after 1-3 months after the onset of acute deficiency of ascorbic acid in the body.
The patient feels weak, gets tired quickly, suffered from dizziness. He becomes irritable, drowsy, feeling the pain in the joints and muscles of the calf. These symptoms are not more specific signs of scurvy, and can be suspected pathology only when presence in the patient's clinical history of prolonged starvation, malnutrition or malabsorption in gut.
The progressive development of scurvy leads to changes in gingival tissue: there is a specific pallor, then cyanosis mucous membranes. Also changes the state of the interdental papillae, bleeding occurs in the oral cavity. At the site of tissue damage to the seal formed dark purple color with signs of internal hemorrhage. Patients suffering from pain while chewing and feel uncomfortable due to increased salivation.
Treatment
A major role in the treatment of scurvy plays dietetics. The food diet of the patient should always be included products - sources of vitamin C. Fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, juices and salads based on them should be the basis of clinical nutrition in scurvy.
If strong bleeding tissue assigned drip or injection of ascorbic acid. Since inflammation in the mouth when taken scurvy countered by rinsing rather weak solution of potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide treatment of the mouth and the oily solution of vitamin A.
All patients with signs of limited joint mobility is recommended physical therapy: physiotherapy, mud packs, massages, hydrotherapy. With concomitant anemia appointed courses of iron and vitamin B12.
Complications of scurvy
Late treatment can cause scurvy connection of secondary infection. The patient has ulcerations appear on the gums, bad breath. The gradual loosening of teeth may result in their total loss.
Patients with scurvy have a specific appearance: their skin is yellow-brown color with a characteristic uneven surface caused by small hemorrhages in the hair bags. Patients move with great difficulty due to severe joint and muscle pain.
Digestive disorders provoked scurvy manifested in inhibition of gastric and intestinal motility, insufficient secretion of enzymes. From hypovitaminosis of vitamin C also suffers heart. In patients with reduced blood pressure, pulse quickens, it weakens the force of heart shock. Concomitant infectious diseases and other forms of vitamin deficiency leads to massive bleeding, bone fractures, disability of the patient, and sometimes to death.
prevention
To prevent scurvy often enough nutrition. Particular attention should be paid to the quality of food in the winter and early spring time. Excellent prevention of scurvy is the constant use of fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables. With insufficient daily amount of vitamin C in the diet (less than 30 mg in children and in adults 50 mg) recommended reception vitamin complex preparations, such as undevit, revit. Prophylactic use of synthetic standards of ascorbic acid in pure form should not exceed 70-100 mg per day.
