The disease that occurs as a result of the deficiency of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which play an important role in the development of bones, is called rickets.
What is Rickets?
Richitis can be seen at any age, but rickets is most common in children due to vitamin D deficiency. The age range in which it is seen is mostly between 3 months and 2 years.
Vitamin D regulates the balance of calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are absorbed from the intestine thanks to vitamin D. Vitamin D is taken from food and synthesized in the skin thanks to sunlight. Two hours of sun exposure per week is sufficient for the synthesis of vitamin D. Foods rich in vitamin D are fish products and fish oil. Breastfed babies are given vitamin supplements.
What are the Symptoms of Rickets?
In rachitic children, teeth erupt late, wrists and ankles are wider than normal.
Small swellings and collapses in the chest may occur. As the disease progresses, growth retardation occurs. Curvature develops in the legs.
Babies walk and crawl late. Muscles are weak. The baby's head often sweats noticeably.
How Is Rickets Diagnosed?
Rickets; It is determined by clinical findings, bone x-ray, and determination of calcium, phosphorus and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) levels in the blood.
How is Rickets Treated?
The treatment of rickets is not difficult. It is treated by replacing the missing vitamin D. But it must be taken in the specified doses. Vitamin D taken without doctor's control can cause poisoning in the body. It can even result in kidney failure and death.
Either a long-term low dose is given or a high dose is given in a short time. It is usually taken orally. Sometimes it is injected intramuscularly. One of these two treatments is preferred according to the patient's condition. Calcium supplementation is also given when necessary.
Also, it is necessary to ensure that children receive sunlight to protect them from rickets. For this, it is necessary to sunbathe children in the sunny outdoors. After the mother stops breastfeeding, the infant's vitamin D supplementation should continue for 1 year. There is no need for supplementation in children who are fed with ready-made formula, because the vitamin D supplement required for the development of the baby is provided in the formulas.
A study conducted in the USA has shown that 10 minutes a week are sufficient for the synthesis of vitamin D in children who receive only 2 hours of sunlight per week with a cloth-tied bare body and with their face, hands and feet uncovered.
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