Noma; The Disease Of The Poor
The difference between the lives of rich and poor children is far beyond material possessions and money. While affluent kids are born into world-class healthcare systems, adorned in beautiful clothes, and sleep comfortably in cozy beds, their counterparts face harsh realities every day. The discrepancy between them is as vast as the distance between the bustling city of New York and a humble hut in Zamfara.
Even nature is stacked against them as they are disproportionately affected by Noma, a ruthless opportunistic infection that preys on their malnourished and dry bodies. Noma, according to the WHO, is a rapidly progressive and often fatal gangrenous infection that ravages the mouth and face. It begins as an ulcer on the gum but progressively affects the jawbone, cheek, and soft tissues around the face. It predominantly affects children aged 2 to 6 years with compromised immunity, primarily caused by malnutrition.
Other causes are poor oral hygiene, measles, malaria, poor sanitation, bacterial and fungal infections, and a weakened immune system. It is commonly found in children from developing countries where they do not have access to proper healthcare and a clean environment.
The symptoms of Noma are:
- Facial edema (swelling)
- Fever
- Gangrene of the face
- Ulcers on the gums, cheeks, and lips
- Foul odor from the mouth
- Difficulty eating, drinking and swallowing
If left untreated, Noma can lead to sepsis, organ failure, and ultimately, death. Survivors are often left with lifelong scars and impaired breathing, speaking, and vision.
The consequences of Noma are a reminder of the gaping chasm between rich and poor children, where access to basic necessities like healthcare and nutrition determines the fate of a child’s life.
Even nature is stacked against them as they are disproportionately affected by Noma, a ruthless opportunistic infection that preys on their malnourished and dry bodies. Noma, according to the WHO, is a rapidly progressive and often fatal gangrenous infection that ravages the mouth and face. It begins as an ulcer on the gum but progressively affects the jawbone, cheek, and soft tissues around the face. It predominantly affects children aged 2 to 6 years with compromised immunity, primarily caused by malnutrition.
Other causes are poor oral hygiene, measles, malaria, poor sanitation, bacterial and fungal infections, and a weakened immune system. It is commonly found in children from developing countries where they do not have access to proper healthcare and a clean environment.
The symptoms of Noma are:
- Facial edema (swelling)
- Fever
- Gangrene of the face
- Ulcers on the gums, cheeks, and lips
- Foul odor from the mouth
- Difficulty eating, drinking and swallowing
If left untreated, Noma can lead to sepsis, organ failure, and ultimately, death. Survivors are often left with lifelong scars and impaired breathing, speaking, and vision.
The consequences of Noma are a reminder of the gaping chasm between rich and poor children, where access to basic necessities like healthcare and nutrition determines the fate of a child’s life.
Adeniyi Oluwadamilola Joy
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