Pellagra: symptoms, causes, treatment

Definition

What is pellagra?

Pellagra is a disease characterized by diarrhea, dermatitis and dementia. If not treated immediately, this disease can lead to death. Pellagra appears due to a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3). Niacin is needed for all cell activities. Because tryptophan in food can be converted into niacin in the body, pellagra will only appear when the body is deficient in both, namely niacin and tryptophan.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of pellagra?

The most common signs and symptoms of pellagra include:

• A scaly, thick rash on the skin when exposed to the sun
• Swollen mouth and bright red tongue
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Headache
• Limp
• Depression
• Dazed
• Memory loss

There may be symptoms not listed above. If you are worried about any symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes pellagra?

Pellagra is caused by a niacin deficiency. This can happen for two things:

• Primary pellagra is caused by a deficiency of niacin and / or tryptophan from food
• Secondary pellagra occurs when you get enough niacin from food, but some block its absorption and processing in the body. This can be caused by:
  • Chronic alcohol addiction
  • Prolonged diarrhea
  • Diseases of the digestive system such as ulcerative colitis
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Carcinoid tumor
  • Hartnup's disease (tryptophan metabolism disorder)
  • Effects of drugs such as isoniazid and azathioprine

Diagnosis and treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is pellagra diagnosed?

After niacin is produced, niacin will be excreted through the urine in the form of nicotinic acid, niacin oxide, and metabolites such as 2-pyridone and 2-methyl nicotinamide. These two metabolites can be checked to determine the lack of niacin in the body.

In addition, RBC levels in NAD / NADP can also be used to confirm a diagnosis of pellagra.

How to treat pellagra?

Pellagra can be treated effectively through niacin or nicotinamide intravenously or by mouth.

Primary pellagra should get better about two days after treatment. A diet high in protein fortified with B-complex vitamins is also needed to speed up recovery. Meanwhile, secondary pellagra is more difficult to treat.

Your doctor may also prescribe an ointment or cream for your skin. However, it is still important to protect the skin from direct sunlight during the healing process. You need to use sunscreen or closed clothing every day.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat pellagra?

Here are the lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with pellagra:

• The nutritional adequacy rate (RDA) for niacin is 16 milligrams per day for men and 14 milligrams per day for women. Food sources rich in niacin include red meat, fish, poultry, and bread and cereals fortified with B-complex vitamins.
• A 20 milligram supplement of niacin may be needed, but you shouldn't take it without your doctor's supervision.
• Several niacin (vitamin B13) supplement products have been clinically tested and registered with the BPOM. However, some of the side effects that may occur are nausea, vomiting, hives, constipation, skin flushing, and increased liver enzymes. Therefore, do not take any supplements before consulting a doctor.
• Be careful if you have gout. Niacin is known to increase uric acid.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.