Rickets is a common childhood disease that affects bone health, particularly in young children during their growth phase, causing softness and visible deformities in the bones.
Therefore, it is important to understand what rickets is, its causes, and correct treatment methods in a timely manner to prevent other complications that affect the child's physical and psychological health.
What is Rickets?
Rickets is a disorder of bone development that affects children during their growth period due to a deficiency in Vitamin D or a deficiency in calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
Rickets appears in children only during the bone growth period. The bones of children with rickets become soft, leading to bone deformities and an increased susceptibility to fractures if treatment is neglected.
Causes of Rickets in Children
The causes of rickets vary; they can be genetic or nutritional. The most important causes are:
1. Nutritional Rickets
This occurs due to a deficiency in certain nutrients essential for bone growth, such as:
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D is responsible for calcium absorption in the bones. This deficiency can be compensated for by adequate exposure to sunlight or by taking Vitamin D supplements.
- Calcium and Phosphorus Deficiency: These elements help in proper bone building and growth. This deficiency can be compensated for by following a diet rich in dairy products and fish.
2. Hereditary Rickets
Rickets can sometimes result from a genetic disorder that affects Vitamin D absorption in the body, which impacts how the body processes calcium and phosphorus, leading to rickets.
Early Symptoms of Rickets
Children with rickets suffer from clear early signs and symptoms in the bones, such as:
- Bowing and curvature of the leg bones.
- Curvature of the spine (Scoliosis).
- Pain in the knee joint, pelvis, and leg bones.
- Low growth rate and short stature.
- Pigeon chest (protrusion of the breastbone).
- Disordered tooth growth and dental cavities.
Methods for Diagnosing Rickets
Rickets is diagnosed through several methods, including:
- Clinical Examination: To observe the early signs and symptoms of rickets on the child's bones.
- X-rays: To image the bones, detect the degree of deviation or curvature, and assess the extent of bone deformities.
- Blood Tests: To measure the levels of calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D in the body.
- Bone Biopsy: This is rare and involves taking a sample from the affected bone to examine the bone tissue.
How is Rickets Treated?
The treatment method varies depending on the type and severity of rickets.
1. Treatment with Vitamin D
- This is used when the cause of rickets is a deficiency in Vitamin D or a problem with its absorption.
- The specialist doctor determines the appropriate Vitamin D dose for the child's age.
- In mild cases of rickets, treatment may only involve daily direct exposure to sunlight for 10-15 minutes during the early morning hours, along with dietary supplements.
2. Treatment with Calcium and Phosphorus
- This is used in cases of rickets caused by a deficiency in calcium or phosphorus.
- The child is given dietary supplements containing calcium and phosphorus.
- Consuming foods rich in calcium, such as dairy products, vegetables, and fish.
3. Surgical Intervention and Physical Therapy
- In advanced stages of rickets where bone deformities begin to appear, doctors may recommend physical therapy for the legs to gradually correct the bone alignment.
- In cases of severe bone deformities, surgical intervention is performed to correct the leg bones.
Complications of Neglecting Rickets
Although rickets is a treatable disease, neglecting treatment can lead to complications such as:
- Delayed physical growth in the child.
- Dental cavities and irregular teeth.
- Negative psychological and social impact on the child due to physical appearance.
The Relationship Between Rickets and Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps absorb calcium and phosphorus from the intestines and deposits them into the bones to increase their density and growth. Therefore, a deficiency in Vitamin D is a primary cause of rickets and osteomalacia in children.
Vitamin D can be obtained from foods such as fatty fish (like salmon, tuna, and sardines), egg yolks, or through Vitamin D supplements to prevent rickets.
Tips for Preventing Rickets
Prevention is always better than cure, especially for diseases that affect a child's bone growth. Here are some tips to protect children from rickets:
- Get adequate exposure to sunlight.
- Follow a healthy diet rich in Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus.
- Proper nutrition for the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding ensures the child's bone health and protects them from rickets.
- Regularly monitor the child's growth and perform necessary medical check-ups.
The Family's Role in Supporting a Child with Rickets
The family plays a crucial role in the treatment journey of rickets and helping the child recover by:
- Adhering to medical instructions and following up on periodic examinations and tests.
- Committing to proper nutrition for the child and encouraging them to eat healthy foods.
- Scheduling daily times for the child to be exposed to sunlight.
- Providing psychological and moral support to help the child accept the visible changes in the shape of their legs or bowing.
- Monitoring the child's weight and physical activity and informing the doctor of any developments in the condition.
- Promoting health education by raising awareness among family members and friends.
Article Summary
Rickets is a disease that affects a child's bone health and growth. It is easily treatable with successful medical methods if detected early through its specific signs and symptoms. Therefore, the family's role is vital in detecting rickets and supporting the affected child.