What is rickets and how to prevent it

What is rickets and how is it dangerous

RicketsRickets. Symptoms and Causes is called a gross violation in the formation of bones, in which they become too soft and fragile. From Greek this term literally translates as "inflammation of the ridge." This name of the disease was given due to one of its striking consequences - pronounced curvature of the spine. But not only the ridge suffers.

Rickets especially for childrenRickets and Osteomalacia a disease that manifests itself at the stage of development and growth of bones. If bone softens in adults, the disorder is called osteomalacia.

If untreated, rickets quickly leads toRickets. Symptoms and Causes to serious complications. Here they are:

• Deformation of the bones. The bones of the lower extremities are often affected: the legs take an X- or O-shaped shape.
• Abnormal rachiocampsis. Including the hump.
• Slow growth.
• Tooth defects.
• Convulsions.

Where does rickets come from

The most common cause is a lack of vitamin D. The "solar" substance is necessary for the body to assimilate calcium and phosphorus from food - the minerals on the basis of which bone tissue is built.

Vitamin D a child may miss if he:

• Little happens in the fresh air during daylight hours. The human body produces the vitamin when exposed to sunlight.
• She actively uses high SPF sunscreen, even in the morning and evening.
• Has a dark skin. The darker the shade, the less vitamin D is produced.
• Is exclusively breastfedRickets. Breast milk cannotVitamin D | Breastfeeding | CDC provide the baby with the necessary amount of vitamin D, the substance must be taken additionally.
• Does not eat productscontaining vitamin D. For example, due to lactose intolerance or a strict vegetarian diet imposed by parents.
• Cannot absorb vitamin due to some disease - celiac disease (this is the name of gluten intolerance), inflammatory processes in the intestines, kidney problems.
• Was born prematurely. These children tend to have low vitamin D levels.

In rare cases, rickets occurs due to a lack of calcium - if the mineral is not enough in food or the child's body cannot absorb it.

What are the symptoms of rickets

SignsRickets and Osteomalacia. Symptoms rickets are obvious enough.

• Gait problems. The affected bones and joints ache and may make it difficult for the child to walk. He reluctantly gets up on his legs, gets tired quickly, his gait is awkward, waddling.
• Skeleton deformations. Thickening of the ankles, wrists, knees, crooked legs, suspiciously soft bones of the skull.
• Too slow growth and developmental delay. A child with rickets, as a rule, lags behind peers physically, looks smaller and weaker than it should be for age.
• Dental problems. For example, belated eruption. Normal first tooth appears at 6–8 months. If the child is already a year old, and he has no teeth, this is a serious reason to contact a pediatrician. Also, signs of rickets can be enamel fragility, early caries.
• Brittle bones. Children often fall when trying to get up. In a child with rickets, such falls can lead to cracks in the bones and even fractures.

What to do if you suspect rickets in a child

Any signs of rickets are a serious reason to consult a pediatrician as soon as possible.

The doctor will examine the child, carefully examine his bones in search of abnormalities. Blood and urine tests will most likely be needed to check for vitamin D and mineral deficiencies.

The disorders caused by rickets can be corrected. And the sooner you start correcting, the faster and more successful the result will be.

How to treat rickets

In most cases, children's bones can be strengthened simply by relieving the child of vitamin D and calcium deficiencies. To do this, your pediatrician will prescribe vitamin supplements and advise on how to adjust your lifestyle and diet.

Strictly follow the doctor's recommendations and do not engage in self-prescription: an excess of vitamin D is no less dangerous than its deficiency.

If the bones are already damaged, the child will have to wear the braces for a while. In severe cases, the help of surgeons is needed.

How to prevent rickets

Prevention in this case is a simple thing. Most often (if rickets is not caused by other diseases) it is enough just to provide the child with a healthy lifestyle.

Walk outdoors more often.

The ideal time for this is morning or early evening on a sunny day.

Watch your diet

The child's diet should contain foods containing vitamin D and calcium: milk and sour milk, eggs, seafood. Often, manufacturers of baby food specifically enrich formulas, cereals, cereals with essential vitamins and minerals. Information about this is on the packaging.

Take care of vitamins

If the child is breastfed, be sure to talk it over with your pediatrician. The doctor may prescribe vitamin D supplements for both mom and baby.