I have been set a Science Assignment and have chosen to do Scurvy under the catergory 'Disease.'
I have written a short report which i plan to present as an oral presentation along with a PowerPoint slideshow.
If you have any knowledge on the subject please read my report, comment and/ or suggest other points for me to include.
PLEASE! I really want good marks for this and I'd love some expert advice.
Scurvy is a non-infectious deficiency disease caused by a lack or Vitamin C. Scurvy can cause many infections and disfigurations including liver spots, 'spongy' gums and bleeding from all mucous membranes. (These membranes line various
body cavities that are exposed to the external environment and internal organs.) Scurvy is also often referred to as Barlow's Disease, after Sir Thomas Barlow, a british physician who first described it. Scurvy does not only infect humans, animals such as Primates and Guinea Pigs are also at risk as they have a natural Vitamin C defficiency.
The symptoms of this disease include
'Purplish' spots on the skin, especially the legs
'Spongy' gums
Bleeding Mucous Membranes
Pallor (a reduced amount of oxyhemoglobin in skin or mucous membranes which results in pale colouration of the skin.) -Oxyhemoglobin is the oxygen-loaded form of hemoglobin, the predominant protein in red blood cells.
Sunken Eyes
Opening of healed scars
Separation of knitted bone fractures.
History
Scurvy was first discovered in the early 13th Century, however it was not until 1747 that citrus was proven as the best and most affective cure. The connection between Vitamin C and Scurvy was not discovered until 1932.
Modern Incidence
Infants and elderly people are at high risk of Scurvy and it is very common for people of that category to become infected with the disease. (Even I had it when I was a baby!!!) Scurvy is rare in adults, however if they become infected Scurvy can easily prove fatal, much like the mumps.
Prevention
Scurvy can easily be prevented by a diet of citrus fruits (such as oranges and lemons) and/ or Vitamin C supplements.
very good,,,seems u have covered every area about the diesease…Scurvy was initially discovered by sailors who had to sail for many months without seeing land
Scurvy
(Vitamin C Deficiency, Scorbutus)
Definition
Scurvy is a condition caused by an insufficient amount of vitamin C. The condition causes weakness, anemia , and gingivitis . Scurvy is very rare in the United States and occurs most commonly in malnourished older adults.
Causes
Scurvy is typically caused by a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables or foods fortified with vitamin C.
Risk Factors
The following factors increase your chance of developing scurvy:
Eating a poor diet, with little or no fruits and vegetables
Little or no vitamin C in the diet
Anorexia nervosa
Alcoholism
Poor dentition
Gastrointestinal diseases
Food faddism
Self-imposed restrictive diets for weight loss or due to food allergies
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
Weakness
Paleness
Sunken eyes
Tender gums and/or tooth loss
Muscular pain
Reopening of old wounds or sores
Internal bleeding
Loss of appetite
Bruising easily
Weight loss; inability to gain weight
Diarrhea
Increased heart rate
Fever
Irritability
Aching and swelling in joints
Diagnosis
Scurvy can be diagnosed during a physical exam, based on an analysis of symptoms and diet.often a blood test to measure ascorbic acid is done.
Treatment
The treatment for scurvy is simple and effective. To eliminate symptoms and make a full recovery, increase vitamin C intake to recommended levels. You can increase vitamin C levels via:
A diet rich in citrus fruits, other fruits, and vegetables
Vitamin C supplements
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of getting scurvy, take the following steps:
Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Consume a sufficient amount of vitamin C, through diet and/or supplements.
Do not use the word infected with scurvy in your text since it's not an infectious disease.
Good luck!
Under the sufferers nails, red and white patches begin to appear. Scurvy can be fatal.