Distended Abdomen
Type: Symptom
Definition
A visibly swollen or enlarged belly area.
Clinical Details
An enlarged belly in kwashiorkor results from a combination of weakened abdominal musculature, an enlarged fatty liver (hepatomegaly), and the accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity (ascites). The liver becomes fatty because there are not enough proteins to synthesize lipoproteins for fat transport. This creates a striking contrast against the child's otherwise thin limbs.