Rickets is a disease in which the metabolism is disrupted and many organs and systems of the body are affected (nervous, bone, muscle, etc.). This disease is characterized by the presence of changes related to the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus to a greater extent, which leads to a violation of their deposition in the bones. As a result, there are profound changes in the bone, muscle and nervous systems.
SYMPTOMS OF RICKETS
Usually the symptoms of rickets in infants are characterized by the presence of the following changes:
– bone sensitivity;
– thinning and softening of the skull bones;
– enlargement of the parietal and frontal tubercles;
– late eruption of teeth with poor enamel quality;
– decrease in muscle tone;
– the appearance of rickety rosaries;
– slowing growth.
However, the presence of one of the above symptoms or signs of rickets in infants in the form of sweating, anxiety, capriciousness and hypertension cannot be the basis for such a diagnosis. The main manifestation of this disease is expressed in a decrease in muscle tone. Therefore, if there are any signs of rickets in children, it is necessary to consult a specialist.
DEGREES OF RICKETS
Depending on the symptoms, there are three degrees of rickets.
At the first degree, changes in the nervous and muscular systems occur in the body. This degree is considered the easiest, since the symptoms of rickets do not leave consequences.
In the second degree, signs of rickets are expressed in the presence of moderate disorders in systems and organs, the appearance of anemia, enlargement of the liver and spleen, deformities of the skull, chest, limbs.
In the third degree, rickets in children is manifested by severe changes in organs and systems (hematopoietic, bone, muscle). This degree is the most severe, because there is a deformation of the sternum, the volume of the lungs decreases and the oxygen supply to the child’s body is limited.
CAUSES OF RICKETS
Basically, rickets develops with a lack of vitamin D. Its presence is necessary for bone growth, normal functioning of the neuromuscular and immune systems. To prevent the development of rickets in children, as well as problems such as osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults, the body must receive vitamin D in sufficient quantities. However, this vitamin is fat-soluble and is absent in many foods, so it is not easy to get enough of it. When being in the sun, vitamin D is formed in the body, so walking with a child in the fresh air will help protect him from rickets. The main causes of rickets can be expressed in a lack of vitamin D, a violation of its metabolism, insufficient intake of protein, phosphorus salts, calcium, and other trace elements into the body. The development of rickets may be associated with multiple pregnancies, prematurity, perinatal hypoxic conditions, early mixed and artificial feeding with excessive amounts of carbohydrates, respiratory, septic, gastrointestinal diseases, heredity, low motor activity, insufficient outdoor exposure.
DIAGNOSIS OF RICKETS
Modern diagnosis of rickets consists in conducting a biochemical blood test (the concentration of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase activity is determined), after which a diagnosis is made based on existing symptoms. Taking into account the dynamics and the ratio of the above indicators, the period of the disease is determined.
TREATMENT OF RICKETS
Currently, the treatment of rickets can be nonspecific and specific. In case of non-specific treatment, due attention is paid to the organization of feeding the child.
In the case of specific treatment, vitamin D is prescribed for 30-40 days with a higher dosage of 1000-4000ME per day. If rickets in infants is caused by vitamin D deficiency due to malabsorption, then in such cases individual treatment is selected.
PREVENTION OF RICKETS
There are two types of rickets prevention: antenatal and postnatal.
Antenatal prevention of rickets consists in proper nutrition of pregnant women, long walks in the fresh air, physical exercises, regular intake of a complex of vitamins and trace elements. At the same time, in order to avoid the development of perinatal lesions of the central nervous system, pregnant women are not recommended to take vitamin D in large quantities and receive UFOs.
Postnatal prevention of the disease consists in natural feeding, observance of the daily routine, hardening, gymnastics, constant intake of vitamins by a nursing mother, regular walks in the fresh air, in which the child’s face should be open to the unhindered penetration of sunlight. However, it should be borne in mind that direct sunlight can be harmful to the baby’s skin. Therefore, in the summer, while walking with a child, it is better to be in the shade. In this case, he will be able to get a weekly dose of vitamin D within 10-30 minutes.
