What is beri-beri?
Beriberi is a disease which is caused by a lack of vitamin B1 i.e. thiamine in the body. It occurs in anyone who is poorly nourished, it is very rare in the people who take good nutrition.
This disease generally affects the cardiovascular system or the nervous system. The neurologic symptoms can lead to psychosis, confusion and hallucinations.
Classification of beri-beri?
Beri-beri is classified into two types I.e.
-Dry beriberi: Nervous system is involved in dry beri beri. Dry beriberi occurs when poor vitamin B1 intake as well as lack of physical activity is there. Neurological involvement show many symptoms like vomiting,involuntary eye movements, palsies of eyes, fever, ataxia and progressive mental impairment which leads to korsakoff syndrome.
-Wet beriberi: It is also a thiamine deficiency with involves cardiovascular system.
What are the causing factors?
-Lack of thiamine
-Alcoholism
-Hereditary
-Brain disorders like Wernicke-korsakoff syndrome
-Vitamin B deficiency
-Lack of nutrition
-Poisoning in few cases causes beriberi
What are the sign and symptoms of beri-beri?
-Gastrointestinal system: Characterized by loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation.
-Nervous system: Early deficiency shows symptoms like fatigue, irritability and weak memory.If deficiency continues there is damage to the peripheral nerves which results in loss of sensation and muscle weakness.
-Cardiovascular system: There are a rapid heartbeat and sweating. Weakness of the heart muscles due to which veins get relaxed causing swelling and edema in the legs.
-Musculoskeletal system: Its widespread muscle pain caused by lack of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) in the muscle tissue.
-Difficulty walking
-Severe lethargy
-Fatigue
-Weight loss
-Emotional disturbances
-Impaired sensory perception
-Weakness and pain in the limbs
-Periods of irregular heart rate
-Pain, tingling
-Vomiting
-Strange eye movements
-paralysis of the lower limbs
-Increased heart rate
-Shortness of breath with activity
-Awakening at night shortening of breath.
-Rapid heartbeat
-Foot drop
-Aphonia
What are the investigations for beri-beri?
-Complete case history
-Physical examination
-Biochemical tests to detect thiamine deficiency
-Blood thiamine level
-Urine test
What is the treatment for beri-beri?
-High dose of thiamine injection.
-Vitamin B treatment
-Diuretics
-Heart-strengthening drugs
-Physical therapy
-Antacids
-Swelling in both lower legs
Is beri beri fatal?
Beriberi is fatal if not treated and the longer the deficiency exists the sicker the person becomes. It can only be recovered with balanced diet and vitamin supplements.
What are the complications for beri-beri?
-Congestive heart failure
-Memory loss
-Psychotic episodes
-Unconsciousness
-Coma
-Death
What dietary precautions should be taken?
Diet:
-Whole-grain foods
-Meat/fish/poultry/eggs
-Milk and milk products
-Vegetables such as green leafy vegetables, beans, potatoes
-Legumes like lentils, soybeans, nuts, seeds
-Orange and tomato juices.
-Thiaminases containing foods such as milled rice, shrimp, mussels, clams, fresh fish and raw animal tissue.
Others:
-Vitamin supplements
-Balance diet
-Quit junk food, candy, and high carbohydrate food.
-Take proper rest
-Do not overcook or overheat food
-Quit alcohol
Homeopathic treatment for beriberi?
-Elaterium officinarum
-Lathyrus sativus
-Strychnia phosphorica
