🍊 Scurvy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

⚕️ What is Scurvy?

Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is essential for the production of collagen, a protein that helps maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, and connective tissues.

Without enough vitamin C, the body cannot repair tissues properly, leading to serious health problems.

🔎 Symptoms of Scurvy

Scurvy develops gradually and symptoms can include:

🩸 Bleeding gums and swollen, tender gums
🦷 Loose or missing teeth
🩹 Easy bruising and slow-healing wounds
🦴 Joint pain and swelling
🥱 Fatigue and weakness
👀 Dry eyes or vision problems
🩺 Pale skin and irritability
⚠️ Severe cases may lead to anemia, infections, and internal bleeding

⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors

🍋 Poor diet lacking vitamin C – most common cause
🥦 Limited intake of fruits and vegetables
🧬 Certain medical conditions – like digestive disorders that prevent vitamin C absorption
🏥 Chronic alcoholism or malnutrition
🚭 Smoking – increases vitamin C requirements
👶 Infants fed unsupplemented formula without vitamin C

🩺 Diagnosis of Scurvy

Doctors may use:

🩸 Blood tests – to measure vitamin C levels
🦷 Dental and gum examination – check for bleeding or loose teeth
🩻 X-rays – to detect bone changes in children
🥗 Dietary review – to check vitamin C intake

💊 Treatment of Scurvy

Treatment focuses on restoring vitamin C levels:

Vitamin C Supplements 💊
- Oral vitamin C tablets or syrup for children and adults
- High-dose vitamin C may be used for severe cases
Dietary Changes 🥗
- Include vitamin C-rich foods like:
  - Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit) 🍊
  - Strawberries 🍓
  - Kiwi 🥝
  - Bell peppers 🌶️
  - Broccoli 🥦
Supportive Care 🏥
- Treat complications like infections, anemia, or bleeding
- Pain relief and proper wound care

🛡️ Prevention of Scurvy

🍋 Eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C daily
💊 Take vitamin C supplements if diet is inadequate
🩺 Monitor at-risk individuals, like elderly or malnourished
👶 Ensure infants and children receive adequate vitamin C

🌟 Outlook

With early detection and treatment, scurvy can be completely cured, and symptoms usually improve within days to weeks. Prevention through a healthy diet and vitamin C intake is the best way to avoid this disease.

🍊 Scurvy