Tiaminhiányban

Tiaminhiányban, also known as beriberi, is a disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine, a vitamin also known as B1. Thiamine is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and the proper functioning of the nervous system. A lack of thiamine can lead to a range of symptoms affecting both the nervous system and the cardiovascular system.

There are two main forms of beriberi: wet and dry. Dry beriberi primarily affects the nervous system, causing symptoms such as difficulty walking, numbness or loss of sensation in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, involuntary eye movement, and speech difficulties. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis and mental confusion. Wet beriberi affects the cardiovascular system, leading to symptoms like rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, swelling in the lower legs, and eventually heart failure. In infants, a form called infantile beriberi can occur, presenting with rapid breathing, vomiting, crying, and loss of reflexes.

Beriberi is most commonly found in populations where polished rice, which has had the thiamine-rich bran removed, is a staple food. Other risk factors include alcoholism, which can impair thiamine absorption and increase its excretion, and conditions that cause malabsorption, such as Crohn's disease or prolonged vomiting.

The diagnosis of tiaminhiányban is typically based on clinical symptoms and a history of inadequate dietary intake or risk factors. Blood tests can confirm low thiamine levels. Treatment involves thiamine supplementation, usually administered intravenously in severe cases and orally for milder forms. Dietary changes to include thiamine-rich foods like whole grains, legumes, and lean meats are also crucial for recovery and prevention. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent permanent damage, especially to the nervous system.