Which nutritional disorder is characterized by a swollen belly in children?

Kwashiorkor is the nutritional disorder characterized by a swollen belly in children, primarily due to severe protein deficiency despite an adequate caloric intake. This condition occurs when the body does not receive enough protein to support vital functions and maintain fluid balance, leading to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and causing a distended stomach.

In addition to the distinctive swollen belly, children with Kwashiorkor may also exhibit other symptoms, such as irritability, lethargy, changes in skin and hair color, and swelling in the legs and feet due to edema. The presence of these clinical features distinguishes Kwashiorkor from other forms of malnutrition.

For context, stunting refers to chronic malnutrition that leads to reduced growth and development, but it does not typically result in abdominal swelling. Wasting is characterized by significant weight loss and a decrease in muscle mass, presenting a different profile than that seen in Kwashiorkor. Malnutrition is a broad term encompassing various forms of nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, but it does not specify the protein deficiency that leads to the classic sign of swelling in the belly associated with Kwashiorkor.