In most cases, rickets develops already in the first year of a child's life, and parents need to have an idea of its first signs, as well as prevention and treatment. This disease occurs when there is a low content of calcium salts in the body, which are necessary for bone growth. This is due to insufficient vitamin D.
Necessary
- - air baths in the sun;
- - vitamin D (after consulting a doctor).
Instructions
Step 1
Vitamin D is produced by the sun's ultraviolet rays. It activates the absorption of calcium in the intestine, its combination with phosphorus and further deposition in the bones. With a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium also becomes less than the child's body needs. Because of this, the bones of the crumbs become soft and can easily deform. As a result, curvature of the legs, an irregular shape of the chest and head, and changes in the pelvic bones are observed (in girls in the future, this can negatively affect the process of childbirth).
Step 2
Rickets often manifests itself in children in the second month of life (in premature babies - even earlier). The child becomes irritable, sweats a lot, does not sleep well. Sweat causes itching, especially in the occiput; the baby twists the head, which leads to baldness. In advanced cases, the baby may develop a "rickety hump" associated with a decrease in the tone of the back muscles.
Step 3
Under the influence of rickets, bone growth (especially in the lower extremities) slows down. The child will lag behind the norm in growth. Body proportions may become incorrect.
Step 4
The pediatrician at the reception may notice a softening of the edges of the fontanelle and occipital bone, as well as a flattening of the skull. The doctor should recommend a treatment so that the softening of the bones does not lead to a "furrow" in the lower chest and curvature of the legs. The O-shaped deformity of the legs usually disappears within three to four years, but the X-shaped ("knocking knees") often remains for life.
