Contents:
- Medical Video: Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
- What is beri-beri disease?
- Signs and symptoms of beriberi
- When to see a doctor?
Medical Video: Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
When studying at school, you may often hear that you have to get enough vitamin B intake to avoid beriberi. So generally in the community, this disease is even labeled as 'people's disease' because it can happen to anyone, both children and adults. So, what is it like, beri-beri? What are the signs and symptoms to watch out for?
What is beri-beri disease?
Beriberi is a disease that is generally caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 or thiamine. Vitamin B1 functions as a coenzyme for the formation of glucose to produce energy and maintain bodily functions. Simply put, this vitamin plays an important role in the process of energy production. If the intake of vitamin B1 in the body is inadequate, the body will easily get tired and risk developing beriberi.
This disease consists of two types, namely wet berries and dried berries. Wet beriberi affects the heart and circulatory system, while dry beriberi which is not immediately treated can cause nerve damage and muscle paralysis.
Signs and symptoms of beriberi
Each type of beriberi has its own unique signs and symptoms. When viewed one by one, the symptoms of wet beriberi include:
- Short breath when on the move
- Waking up in the middle of the night with a breathfully tired
- Heart rate increases
- Swollen foot
While various symptoms of dried beri-beri, namely:
- Decreased muscle function, especially in the lower legs
- Feet and hands tingling, making it difficult to walk
- Pain throughout the body
- Gag
- Talking difficult
- Daze
- Fast and abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
- Paralysis in the legs
Apart from lack of food sources of vitamin B1, symptoms of dry and wet beriberi are often found in people who are addicted to alcohol. Because, drinking too much alcohol can make it harder for the body to absorb and store vitamin B1.
It should be noted that beriberi disease can be fatal if not treated quickly. This is because beriberi symptoms develop quickly and over time can cause heart failure, psychosis, coma, and death.
When to see a doctor?
If you experience one or more of the symptoms of beriberi above, you should immediately consult your nearest doctor. Especially if you experience:
- Hyperthyroidism
- AIDS
- Severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum)
- Bariatric surgery
- Diarrhea never heals
- Take diuretic medication
- Underwent dialysis due to kidney failure
Then you are at high risk of vitamin B1 deficiency. Yes, you might get beriberi if you don't deal quickly with the symptoms.
The main goal of beri-beri treatment is to meet the needs of vitamin B1 which is lacking in the body. Therefore, your doctor will prescribe thiamine supplements, either in the form of pills or injections, to help meet your daily vitamin B1 needs.
In addition, you can actually fulfill your daily intake of vitamin B1 through healthy and nutritious foods, such as:
- Peas
- Spinach
- Grains
- Meat and fish
- Whole wheat
- Dairy products
- Breakfast cereals enriched with thiamine
The faster the symptoms of beriberi are detected and handled, the greater the chance of recovery. Yes, this includes damage to the nerves and heart due to beriberi which is very recoverable if detected earlier.
