What is Scurvy in Reference of Vitamin C and It's Treatment?

Scurvy is a disorder in which the body has a severe and chronic vitamin C deficiency. Both from eating food sources low in vitamin C or from eating sources low in vitamin C over an extended period, leading to a variety of symptoms like bleeding gums, etc. The patient may experience other dangerous symptoms such as loose teeth, bulging eyes, or bleeding under the skin if the condition is left untreated and the body is constantly deficient in vitamin C.

Signs of scurvy

Vitamin C is an important vitamin for the functioning of many body systems. Vitamin C deficiency or scurvy causes a range of symptoms. The initial signs of severe vitamin C shortage will show up after at least 4 weeks, and if the body remains in this state, more severe scurvy symptoms will start to show up after another 3 months.

The following are signs and symptoms of scurvy

Let's know about early signs of symptoms. There may not initially be any overt signs or symptoms of scurvy. The signs could resemble less severe signs, like:

Feeling unwell or having unusual feelingsDecreased or absent appetiteEasily irritated, and angeredExhausted, tired, or unjustifiably weak.SqueamishDiarrhoeaFeel feverishLeg discomfort, joint pain, bone pain, or muscle painBleeding into tiny areas the size of a needle's point from the skin's pores.

Later Symptoms: The signs of scurvy worsen after three months of acute vitamin deficiency and has the following more specific traits:

Gums are fragile or sponge-like, are purple and bleed easily.Decaying teeth and missing teethSwollen eyes, sensitivity to light, and visual blurSkin that is dark, scaly, and dryHair is frizzy and dry, and either breaks around the root or has split ends.The body's immune system functions more slowly, and wounds heal slowly.Huge red, purple, or black bruise on the leg or arm, or bleeding under the skinSwelling in the legs or arms in certain locations as a result of bleeding in joints or musclesMany ailments can occur, such as anaemia, gingivitis, etc.

Patients should consult a physician if any of the following symptoms develop:

Gums that are swollen and bleeding may also lose teeth occasionally.The skin bruises quickly or displays red-purple bruising. especially if it occurs near the shin.Feel perpetually tired and exhaustedFeeling unwell and depressed constantlyLeg ache or excruciating joint pain

What causes scurvy?

The human body is unable to produce vitamin C on its own, scurvy is brought on by a shortage of vitamin C in the body for at least three months. Eating foods devoid of vitamin C might lead to a Vitamin C deficiency that can occur from eating foods that do not contain vitamin C. There is little vitamin C. or not eating fruits and vegetables, which are sources of vitamin C. 

By people who are in the following groups, there may be an increased risk of scurvy.

Having a drug or alcohol addiction, being unhealthy physically, or not following a balanced dietSmoking, as it interferes with vitamin C absorption. The body utilises vitamin C more quickly as a result than in the case of non-smokers.Nursing when expecting since this is a time when the body requires a lot of vitamin C.Babies who are stillborn and whose mothers are undernourishedInfants fed boiled milk or sweetened condensed milk, as well as kids whose bodies have trouble absorbing nutritionElderly persons who consume a limited variety of foods in small portions who are too old to prepare their meals or who consume food from all food groupsManage your food intake to reduce weight. By consuming meals that don't provide the body with enough vitamin C or nutrients.Eat little portions of food. This could be brought on by several conditions that make you lose your appetite, like anorexia, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy-treated eating disorders like thin eating disorder.Suffer from renal disease or are receiving dialysis at the moment.Have a condition like Crohn's disease or a malabsorption ailment that stops the body from absorbing nutrients or vitamin C severe dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel illness, etc.A poor income does not allow one to purchase foods high in vitamin C.Are you in a place where you can't find vegetables? Fruits that contain vitamin C, you can eat them.

Treatment For Scurvy

Scurvy is a scary disease. As said, it is an extreme case, which is why it is good to consult a healthcare professional. Just having vitamin C fruits and vegetables is not enough to quickly overcome the scurvy. It is ideal to start consuming vitamin C supplements. There are many forms available in the market like vitamin C effervescent tablets, vitamin C capsules, drinks, chewable tablets and many more. While consuming supplements, keep the meal healthy and proper.