Rickets is a childhood disease characterized by the absence of vitamin D, which is important for the absorption of calcium in the intestine and its subsequent deposit in the bones. Thus, a change occurs in the development of children’s bones, which can have primary or secondary causes:
Treatment of rickets varies depending on its cause, but in all cases, vitamin D supplementation is necessary and dietary changes are needed to consume calcium-rich foods.
- The symptoms of rickets can vary depending on the stage of the disease; in the acute phase.
- There may be apathy.
- Anemia.
- Irritability.
- And muscle spasms; In the chronic phase of rickets.
- There may be:.
In addition, in the most severe cases, rickets can cause skeletal deformities, which may include arched legs, late dental rash, tooth enamel hypoplasia, muscle weakness, pain, thickening of the skull bones, called the Olympic front and increased risk of infection Know all the symptoms of rickets.
When there is also a lack of calcium in the body, other symptoms may appear besides those mentioned, such as muscle spasms and cramps and tingling in the hands and feet, for example.
The main cause of primary rickets is a lack of vitamin D, which affects bone structure and development.Calcium is better absorbed when vitamin D-rich foods are ingested, and therefore when vitamin D is missing, its absorption is affected.Rickets can also be caused by a lack of calcium, which is essential for bone development.
Secondary rickets are determined by a pre-existing condition, such as kidney disease or cancer, with interference in the calcium absorption process.The use of anticonvulsants may also be related to secondary rickets.
There are also other rarer forms of rickets that arise from genetic mutations or other conditions that affect how the body absorbs minerals and vitamins.
Diagnosis of rickets can be made by performing a physical exam, where your doctor can check the small size or reduced growth rate and the presence of skeletal deformities.
In addition, laboratory tests, such as calcium, vitamin D, and alkaline phosphatase measurements, as well as x-ray tests, may be requested to complete the diagnosis.
Treatment of rickets is based on the replacement of vitamin D in the body by ingesting vitamin D supplements.In addition, it is important to increase your intake of vitamin D-rich foods, such as cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel, boiled eggs or canned sardines.Discover other foods rich in vitamin D.
Appropriate doses of calcium and sun exposure should also be advised.In the case of rickets secondary to other diseases, the disease responsible for rickets should be treated.
When rickets are caused by a lack of calcium, it can be replaced by eating calcium-rich foods such as broccoli, cabbage or dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt.See other calcium-rich foods.
The best way to prevent rickets is through a balanced diet of foods rich in vitamin D and calcium, which should be recommended by the nutritionist and doctor, in addition to daily sun exposure at specified times.