Why is it starvation causes huge bellies?!
Question:
Why is it starvation causes huge bellies?
like those seen in famished hunger struck countries?
Answers:
it's because of protein malnutrition. it's called kwashiorkor.
proteins, especially albumin, keep the fluid of your blood inside the blood vessel because of oncotic pressure regulation.
since these kids don't get enough protein, fluid leaks out of the blood vessel walls in the abdomen area (cuz there's a lot of space for fluid to collect called the "peritoneal space").
fluid present in the peritoneal space is called "ascites".
you can get ascites in liver failure (look at some alcoholics), kidney failure and a few other causes.
and lilesleaf is wrong about the parasites! they don't cause swelling that big...unless you're pregnant with them!!!