Beriberi

Symptoms: Decreased muscle function, particularly in both lower legs, Tingling or loss of feeling in the feet and hands on both sides, Pain, Mental confusion, Difficulty speaking, Vomiting, Involuntary eye movement, Paralysis

Medicines: Local Name: Ong bu maw

Definition:

Beriberi is a disease caused by vitamin B1 deficiency, also known as thiamine deficiency. It occurs most often in people with a diet that consists mostly of white rice or highly refined carbohydrates.

There are two types of beriberi:

wet beriberi
dry beriberi
Wet beriberi affects the heart and circulatory system. In extreme cases, wet beriberi can cause heart failure.

Dry beriberi damages the nerves and can lead to decreased muscle strength and eventually muscle paralysis. Beriberi can be life threatening if it isn’t treated.

If you have access to foods rich in thiamine, your chances of developing beriberi are low. Today, in the United States, beriberi mostly occurs in people with an alcohol use disorder and may also occur as a complication of weight loss surgery.

Theme: Traditional Treatment- Conditions

Sub Theme: Weakness