Scorbutt

Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C in the diet (high in carbohydrates, low in proteins) or insufficient absorption due to illness. Scurvy is characterized by disturbances in blood vessel wall permeability, expanding bleeding, inflammation of the gums mucosa, disruption of blood production and regeneration.

The initial stage of scurvy is characterized by weakness, pain in the legs, lower back, and chest, small blood spots on the skin of the legs. Gums become pale reddish and bleed, their edges – spongy. Blood leakage appears in the mucosa. In the second stage, there are many blood leaks in the skin, muscles, internal organs, causing pain and difficulty in movement. Inflammation of the gum mucosa occurs: it becomes swollen, swollen. Gums bleed heavily, teeth loosen, and the tongue has many deposits. In the third stage, blood leaks spread, skin ulcers appear, in the mouth – ulcerative stomatitis, gum necrosis. Necrotic parts of the mucosa easily detach, exposing the bone. Teeth protrude and fall out.

Scurvy affects the stomach and pancreas function, sometimes leading to stomach ulcers. Arterial blood pressure decreases, rapid heartbeat, bleeding begins. Mild jaundice may occur due to liver hemorrhages.

It is important to start treating scurvy with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as early as possible; a person suffering from scurvy needs 5-10 times more than a healthy person.

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė