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Signs and Symptoms of Scurvy Disease

Scurvy is a disease caused by lack of vitamin C over a long period of time, according to NYU Langone Medical Center. The disease was common among seafarers. Today the majority of scurvy cases are found in chronic alcoholics and the malnourished.

  1. Features

    • Weakness, fatigue, swollen gums, anemia, reopening of old wounds, achy and swollen joints, and sunken eyes are all symptoms of scurvy. In children and infants symptoms also include lesions in growing bones and lower extremity pain, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

    Significance

    • Vitamin C is important in forming collagen in the body. Collagen is an element in tissue. Without it, tissue development is impaired.

    Diagnosis

    • In addition to analyzing a patient's symptoms, a physician uses a blood test to determine the patient's vitamin C level. An x-ray may be used to detect scurvy in children and infants.

    Treatment

    • To combat scurvy, physicians recommend a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, especially citrus. A patient may also need to take vitamin C supplements.

    Breakthrough

    • Citrus fruit

      In 1753 James Lind, a British naval surgeon, showed that ingesting lemon and orange juice prevented and cured scurvy.

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