Which condition is associated with edema caused by protein deficiency?

Which condition is associated with edema caused by protein deficiency?

• A. Edema
• B. Ischemia
• C. Hiatal hernia
• D. Cirrhosis

Answer: (A)

Edema from protein deficiency happens because proteins in the blood, especially albumin, help keep fluid inside blood vessels through oncotic pressure. When protein intake is too low, oncotic pressure drops, and fluid leaks into the interstitial spaces, causing swelling. This is a hallmark of severe protein-energy malnutrition like kwashiorkor. Ischemia is about reduced blood flow to tissues, a structural or circulatory problem rather than a protein shortage. A hiatal hernia is an anatomical issue where part of the stomach pushes into the chest. Cirrhosis can lead to edema too, but mainly through multiple factors including altered liver function and portal hypertension, not solely protein deficiency. The edema you see here directly reflects the fluid balance disruption caused by too little circulating protein.

Edema from protein deficiency happens because proteins in the blood, especially albumin, help keep fluid inside blood vessels through oncotic pressure. When protein intake is too low, oncotic pressure drops, and fluid leaks into the interstitial spaces, causing swelling. This is a hallmark of severe protein-energy malnutrition like kwashiorkor. Ischemia is about reduced blood flow to tissues, a structural or circulatory problem rather than a protein shortage. A hiatal hernia is an anatomical issue where part of the stomach pushes into the chest. Cirrhosis can lead to edema too, but mainly through multiple factors including altered liver function and portal hypertension, not solely protein deficiency. The edema you see here directly reflects the fluid balance disruption caused by too little circulating protein.