Rickets

Rickets: causes, symptoms and treatment

Rickets is a childhood disease that occurs due to a deficiency of vitamin D in the child's body. In this article we will look at the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of rickets.

Reasons for the development of rickets

Rickets develops when a child does not have enough vitamin D. This vitamin is necessary for the normal absorption of calcium from food and its deposition in the bones. With a lack of vitamin D, the absorption of calcium in the intestines is impaired, which leads to a decrease in the content of calcium salts in the blood and bones. As a result, the bones begin to soften and their development is disrupted.

Vitamin D can be supplied to a child through food, but its main source is sunlight. When human skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays, the process of converting the inactive form of vitamin D into its active form begins. However, if a child spends little time outdoors or lives in areas with insufficient sunlight, he or she may develop a vitamin D deficiency.

Also, the risk of developing rickets increases with breastfeeding, since breast milk contains insufficient amounts of vitamin D. In this case, it is recommended to additionally take vitamin complexes containing vitamin D.

Symptoms of rickets

The main symptom of rickets is softening of the bones. This manifests itself in deformation of long tubular bones, which can become arched. Characteristic costal “rosaries” appear on the anterior surface of the ribs. In addition, the child may experience delays in physical development, muscle weakness, increased fatigue and lethargy.

In the case of renal rickets, which develops as a result of impaired renal function and the excretion of large amounts of minerals in the urine, additional symptoms may appear, such as electrolyte imbalance, arterial hypertension, lower back pain, etc.

Treatment of rickets

Treatment of rickets is aimed at eliminating vitamin D deficiency in the body. For this purpose, vitamin complexes containing vitamin D may be prescribed, as well as dietary recommendations aimed at increasing the consumption of foods rich in calcium.

In cases of severe forms of rickets, hospitalization of the child and intensive care may be required. In such cases, injections of vitamin D or its active forms, as well as calcium, may be prescribed. In addition, physical therapy may be required to strengthen muscles and bones.

To prevent rickets, it is recommended to provide your child with enough sunlight and proper nutrition, including calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, fish and green vegetables.

In conclusion, rickets is a serious disease that can lead to impaired bone development and delays in physical development. However, if the disease is detected on time and treated correctly, then most children are completely free from its consequences. Parents should monitor the health of their children by providing them with proper nutrition and sufficient sunlight, and if necessary, consult a doctor for timely detection and treatment of rickets.

Rickets is a childhood disease that manifests itself as a negative effect on bone calcification due to a deficiency of vitamin D in the body. The main symptoms of the disease are bone deformation, weakness and poor absorption of calcium.

The main pathogenetic mechanism of rickets is an imbalance in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus due to a lack of