Scurvy
is the well-known result of a deficiency of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid characterized by swollen bleeding gums and the opening of previously healed wounds, which particularly affected poorly nourished sailors until the end of the 18th century. Although rare, scurvy still occurs in industrialized countries in the world today due to poor dietary intake or absorption of vitamin C. Risk factors for scurvy in industrialized countries include poverty, alcohol and drug use, mental illness, and eating disorders. The patient could have a lack of vitamin C intake and was most likely multifactorial, including alcohol consumption and rare fruit and vegetable intake. Humans cannot synthesize vitamin C, which is necessary for the production of collagen and iron absorption. We have to obtain it from external sources, i.e. from fruits and vegetables, or some foods, which are fortified with vitamin C in order to prevent the vitamin C deficiency known as scurvy. Other findings include, gingivitis with loss of teeth, anorexia, weight loss, fatigue, edma (swelling) Scurvy can mimic vasculitis which is inflammation of blood vessels
Who gets scurvy?
Though scurvy is a very rare disease, it still occurs in some patients - usually elderly people, alcoholics, or those that live on a diet devoid of fresh fruits and vegetables. Similarly, infants or children who are on special or poor diets for any number of economic or social reasons may be prone to scurvy.
How is scurvy treated?
Scurvy is treated by providing the patient with vitamin C, administered either orally or via injection. Orange juice usually functions as an effective dietary remedy, but specific vitamin supplements are also known to be effective.
How is scurvy diagnosed?
Physicians initially will conduct a physical exam, looking for symptoms described above. Actual vitamin C levels can be obtained by using laboratory tests that analyze serum ascorbic acid levels (or white blood cell ascorbic acid...