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While studying at school, you may often hear that you have to get enough B vitamins to avoid the disease. Because it is so common in society, this disease is even labeled a disease of "the people" because it can happen to anyone, both children and adults. So, what is the beriberi? What are the signs and symptoms that need to be watched out for?
What is beriberi?
Beriberi is a disease that is generally caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 or thiamine. Vitamin B1 functions as a coenzyme for glucose formation to produce energy and maintain body functions. Simply put, this vitamin plays an important role in the process of energy production. If the intake of vitamin B1 in the body is not sufficient, the body will tire easily and risk developing beriberi.
This disease consists of two types, namely wet beriberi and dry beriberi. Wet beriberi affects the heart and circulatory system, while dry beriberi that is left untreated can cause nerve damage and muscle paralysis.
Signs and symptoms of beriberi
Each type of beriberi has its own unique signs and symptoms. When viewed one by one, the symptoms of wet beriberi include:
- Shortness of breath during activity
- Woke up in the middle of the night with a breathfully tired
- Heart rate increases
- Swollen foot
While the various symptoms of dry beriberi, namely:
- Decreased muscle function, especially in the lower leg
- Tingling feet and hands, making it difficult to walk
- Pain all over the body
- Gag
- It's hard to speak
- Dazed
- Fast and abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
- Paralysis of the legs
Apart from a lack of intake of food sources of vitamin B1, symptoms of dry and wet beriberi are often found in people who are addicted to alcohol. The reason is, drinking too much alcohol can make it more difficult for the body to absorb and store vitamin B1.
It should be noted that the disease beriberi can be fatal if not treated quickly. This is because the symptoms of beriberi develops rapidly and over time can cause heart failure, psychosis, coma, and death.
When to see a doctor
If you experience one or more of the symptoms of beriberi, you should immediately consult your nearest doctor. Especially if you experience:
- Hyperthyroidism
- AIDS disease
- Severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum)
- Bariatric surgery
- Diarrhea does not go away
- Take a diuretic
- Having dialysis because of kidney failure
Then you are at high risk for vitamin B1 deficiency. Yes, you may get beriberi if you don't treat the symptoms quickly.
The main purpose of the beriberi treatment is to meet the vitamin B1 deficiency in the body. Therefore, your doctor will prescribe a thiamine supplement, either in pill or injection form, to help meet your daily vitamin B1 needs.
In addition, you can actually meet your daily intake of vitamin B1 through healthy and nutritious foods, such as:
- Peas
- Spinach
- Whole grains
- Meat and fish
- Whole grain
- Dairy products
- Thiamine fortified breakfast cereal
The sooner the symptoms of beriberi are detected and treated, the greater the chance of cure. Yes, this includes nerve and heart damage due to beriberi, which is very reversible if detected early.
