beriberi
beriberi is a rare condition in which the body does not get enough vitamin B1. It may also be the result of alcohol abuse, chronic diarrhea or diabetes. The therapy of these deficiencies consists mainly of the administration of vitamin B1.
Table of Contents
What is Beriberi??
Beriberi is a deficiency disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine). Vitamin B1 has many important functions concerning the metabolism of the body as well as the nervous system. Since the body can not produce thiamine itself and also stores only small amounts, it is important to continuously consume enough vitamin B1 in the diet.
Basically, a distinction is made between two types of beriberi. The dry type affects mainly the nervous system and leads to neurological deficits. The moist form of beriberi mainly affects the cardiac system of the body and leads to cardiovascular disease.
causes
In Western industrialized countries, thiamine deficiency is rare, as a well-balanced diet will provide enough vitamin B1 to support the body. In western countries, beriberi occurs mainly in people with chronic diseases. Not infrequently, diabetics suffer from a decreased thiamine level, which can develop into deficiency disease.
Even alcoholics often suffer from beriberi. This is because alcohol inhibits the absorption of vitamin B1 from the diet. Beriberi can also affect people who suffer from a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, as it comes here to strong diarrhea and the food is not sufficiently utilized.
Symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of beriberi:
The symptoms of beriberi vary according to the severity and nature of the disease. If the patient suffers from the dry form of beriberi, neurological deficits are in the foreground. This can lead to paralysis of the skeletal muscles as well as disorders of the senses. Affected feel z. B. burning in the extremities.
The wet form is associated with disorders of the cardiovascular system and leads in the worst case to heart failure. Patients often suffer from general disorders such as agitation, abdominal pain, fatigue, apathy, confusion and nausea. If beriberi is diagnosed and treated in good time, the course is considered positive.
diagnosis
The diagnosis often turns out to be complicated at Beriberi. This is not least due to the fact that in western industrialized countries disorders of the cardiovascular system or neurological deficits are often not thought of as a possibility of thiamine deficiency.
In addition, the symptoms are unspecific, especially at the beginning of the disease, which further complicates the diagnosis. To make a diagnosis, the doctor first makes a medical history; He asks especially about existing diseases and eating habits. This is followed by the physical examination of the patient. A final diagnosis can only be made after a laboratory blood test.
complications
The disease Beriberi causes a variety of different symptoms that can lead to complications. As a rule, there are strong disturbances of concentration and perceptual disturbances. The affected person feels very tired and dizzy and can often no longer carry out the usual activities in everyday life or is extremely restricted in their implementation. It also comes to an inner restlessness and irritability. The sufferer suffers from abdominal pain, which can occur especially after eating. Not infrequently, there are also psychological symptoms due to the symptoms and depression.
If the disease is not treated, memory disorders may also occur and muscles or nerves may become ill. Physical efforts are thus no longer possible for the patient. In the course of the disease, it often comes without treatment to a heart failure and thus to death.
In addition to memory disorders, speech disorders and other cognitive discomfort may also occur. The quality of life of the patient is extremely reduced by the disease beriberi. The treatment can be done relatively well with the help of medication and does not lead to further complications. However, existing damage may not be reversible.
Treatment and therapy
The treatment of beriberi depends on the severity of the disease and the general health of the patient. If the vitamin deficiency is not yet very strong, the deficiency can be compensated by the administration of thiamine in tablet form. This treatment is very effective and, in most cases, rapidly alleviates the symptoms. During treatment, the condition of the patient must be checked at regular intervals.
In an advanced stage, wet beriberi, the patient must take additional medication to improve the functions of the cardiovascular system. If there is a heart condition, then the additional administration of medication is unavoidable.
In the dry form of beriberi, physiotherapy may be necessary in addition to the administration of thiamine to compensate for motor deficits. In the case of an alcoholic patient with beriberi, withdrawal is recommended because otherwise the disease may recur.
prevention
Because beriberi is a rare disease in Central Europe, prevention is very easy. A healthy, balanced diet is the best way to protect against beriberi.
It should also be noted that vitamin B1 is a water-soluble and heat-sensitive vitamin. It is advisable to eat fruits and vegetables as raw as possible, otherwise thiamin will be destroyed. The intake of vitamin supplements is not necessary if you have a balanced diet and good health.
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