Which condition is caused by lack of protein and leads to edema?

Which condition is caused by lack of protein and leads to edema?

• A. Edema
• B. Ischemia
• C. Hiatal hernia
• D. Peptic ulcer

Answer: (A)

Proteins in the blood, especially albumin, create oncotic pressure that helps keep fluid inside the bloodstream. When protein intake is low, blood protein levels fall and oncotic pressure decreases. Fluid then leaks into surrounding tissues, causing swelling called edema. This pattern is seen in protein-energy malnutrition such as Kwashiorkor, where edema is a key sign due to hypoalbuminemia. The other options aren’t caused by protein deficiency and don’t explain the swelling: ischemia is reduced blood flow, hiatal hernia is part of the stomach pushing through the diaphragm, and peptic ulcers are erosions in the stomach lining.

Proteins in the blood, especially albumin, create oncotic pressure that helps keep fluid inside the bloodstream. When protein intake is low, blood protein levels fall and oncotic pressure decreases. Fluid then leaks into surrounding tissues, causing swelling called edema. This pattern is seen in protein-energy malnutrition such as Kwashiorkor, where edema is a key sign due to hypoalbuminemia. The other options aren’t caused by protein deficiency and don’t explain the swelling: ischemia is reduced blood flow, hiatal hernia is part of the stomach pushing through the diaphragm, and peptic ulcers are erosions in the stomach lining.