Question

A patient complaints a doctor for having pain in joints, bleeding gums and general weakness.The doctor advises him to take or consume oranges or lemon regularly. The patient is suffering from:

• A. Scurvy
• B. Rickets
• C. Arthritis
• D. Deficiency of Iron

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Scurvy

Scurvy is a disease caused by a severe deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The symptoms described by the patient—pain in joints, bleeding gums, and general weakness—are classic signs of this condition.

• Bleeding gums: Vitamin C is crucial for the formation of collagen, a protein that maintains the health of gums and blood vessels. A deficiency weakens these structures, leading to bleeding.

• Joint pain: Lack of collagen also affects the connective tissues in joints, causing pain.

• General weakness: Vitamin C is essential for energy production and overall body function. A deficiency can lead to fatigue and weakness.

• The doctor's advice to consume oranges or lemons is a direct treatment for scurvy, as these fruits are rich sources of Vitamin C.

• Rickets is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D, leading to weak and soft bones.

• Arthritis is a condition of joint inflammation, but its cause is not directly related to a Vitamin C deficiency.

• Deficiency of Iron causes anemia, with symptoms like fatigue and weakness, but it doesn't typically cause bleeding gums or joint pain in this manner.