Kwashiorkor and marasmus are two forms of severe malnutrition that affect children. Kwashiorkor is caused by a diet deficient in protein but with enough calories, leading to swelling and loss of skin pigment. Marasmus is caused by a lack of both protein and calories, causing extreme weight loss and muscle wasting. Both conditions require hospital treatment including feeding through a nasogastric tube to allow the child's body to recover.
