Save your Baby from Rickets

Vitamin D is essential in promoting absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the gastrointestinal tract, which children need to build strong bones. A deficiency of vitamin D makes it difficult to maintain proper calcium and phosphorus levels in their bones.

If the body senses an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream, it reacts by taking calcium and phosphorus from your bones- to raise blood levels to where they need to be. This softens or weakens the bone structure. The result most commonly is skeletal deformities such as bowlegs, or improper curvature of the spine. Osteomalacia is the adult version of rickets.

What is rickets?

Rickets is a bone problem, that affects children. It occurs when your child’s bones do not form correctly. Rickets can make your child’s bones hurt, and the bones can bend and break easily.

What causes rickets?
Inheritance

Children can inherit rickets from a parent. Hereditary rickets (X-linked hypophosphatemia), an inherited form of rickets is caused by the inability of the kidneys to retain phosphorus, or a complication of renal tubular acidosis, a condition in which your kidneys are unable to excrete acids into urine.

Food

Sometimes it relates to what your child eats. It can happen as a result of extreme malnutrition, or even a poor or unbalanced diet. Vegetarians are particularly likely to develop rickets because there is little vitamin D in vegetables. This is called nutritional rickets.

Sunlight

The body also needs sunlight to make vitamin D. If your child does not spend much time in the sun, he or she may get rickets because the skin produces vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. This is the most common way for most adolescents and adults to produce the vitamin.

What are the signs and symptoms of rickets?

Vitamin D deficiency  begins months before physical signs and symptoms of rickets appear. Young babies with rickets can be fussy and have soft skulls. Infants and toddlers may not develop, walk, or grow well. When rickets symptoms develop, they may include:

  • Skeletal deformities: These include bowed legs, abnormal curvature of the spine, pelvic deformities and breastbone projection in the chest.
  • Fragile bones: Children with rickets are more prone to bone fractures.
  • Impaired growth: Delayed growth in height or limbs may be a result of rickets.
  • Dental problems: These include defects in tooth structure, increased chance of cavities, poor enamel and delayed formation of teeth.
  • Bone pain: This includes dull, aching pain or tenderness in the spine, pelvis and legs.
  • Muscle weakness: Decreased muscle tone may make movement uncomfortable.
Are some children at a higher risk of getting rickets than others?

Yes, if your child was born premature or has certain illnesses, such as kidney or intestinal disease, he or she has a higher risk of getting rickets.

How can I tell if my child has rickets?

Your doctor will ask about your family health history and your child’s health and diet. Your child will need a full physical exam. Blood tests and X-rays of the arms or legs, can help a doctor detect if your child has rickets.

How is rickets treated?

Treatment depends on the type of rickets your child has. Nutritional rickets is treated with vitamin D and calcium. If your child has inherited rickets, or has an illness causing the problem, a doctor who specialises in rickets may need to help.

How can I keep my child from getting nutritional rickets?

Be sure your child gets enough vitamin D and calcium. Your doctor will tell you if your child needs extra vitamin D or calcium. The doctor will also tell you about how much time in the sun is safe for your child. To ensure your child is getting enough vitamin D, you should feed him or her with foods that are high in calcium, such as milk, cheese, and salad greens.

What are some of the complications of rickets?

Untreated rickets causes progressive disability in children. The resulting weakness makes infection, particularly of the chest, more likely and it can be fatal. In osteomalacia, pains may get worse and fractures could occur. Progressive weakness could lead to a very poor quality of life.

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