It is believed that no one is sick with rickets today. In fact, it is erroneous - children with chronic vitamin deficiency can be found today. Yes, many people really think that modern vitamin complexes and preparations will help in any situation. Of course, they are reliable, but still they do not always help.
Rickets, the signs and treatment of which we will consider, is not difficult to diagnose. Prevention is also quite simple. All this, as well as the treatment of rickets, will be discussed in this article.
Rickets: symptoms
Most often, children under three years of age suffer from it. At times, it can be found in older children. Rickets in infants are also possible . In each case, the symptoms will be slightly different. Rickets in adults are also possible. This disease is even more specific.
It has long been established that the main cause of the disease is the lack of only one vitamin - vitamin D. Ultraviolet (exposure to sunlight) contributes to its production. This means that the prevention of rickets most actively needs to be carried out at that time of year when the weather is cloudy.
Rickets, the signs of which we are considering, manifests itself gradually. First of all, you can observe sleep disturbance, restless behavior, sweating, loss of appetite. Signs of rickets also include itching. It can even lead to baldness of the child. This disease reduces immunity, which means that all childhood diseases begin to proceed in a more complex form.
In the event that treatment was started when the first signs of rickets only appeared, everything could end very favorably. The disease will recede and will not return. Otherwise, the next stage of rickets will begin. All signs and symptoms that have been described above will intensify several times. It is likely that the edges of the fontanel will begin to soften. Ribs, sternum, occipital bones and so on will begin to deteriorate. Further symptoms and consequences: bending of the bones, closing of the fontanel, problems with tooth growth.
Immediately, we note that symptoms can progress very quickly. As mentioned above, the consequences can be avoided by starting treatment on time. Delayed treatment will lead to deformation of the skeleton, skull, flat feet, muscle hypertension.
Treatment of rickets
Rickets, the signs of which are numerous, require immediate treatment. A very useful firming procedure is massage. Also, vitamin D is prescribed for a sick child. Note that the form of administration, duration, and dose should be determined by the doctor. Yes, the entire treatment process should be supervised by an experienced pediatrician.
What medicines contain the right vitamin? A lot of them. Some are more effective, others less. Some are needed exclusively for treatment, others only for prevention. Again, the pediatrician will help with the choice. Do not experiment, but trust professionals.
A bit about prevention
Prevention allows you to get around many troubles. It is best to start it during pregnancy. Such an approach would be the best. What can be recommended? Of course, there is only healthy food, and indeed to monitor nutrition. Eat meat, fish, drink milk. Be sure to consume fruits and vegetables. You need to walk a lot, spend a lot of time under the sun.
The regimen of the day, breastfeeding, timely feeding are very important for the child. Try not to miss walking with him. Ask your pediatrician about additional preventive measures .
In the end, I want to say a few words about such a wonderful tool as fish oil. He is really very rich in the necessary vitamin. Do not be scared - fish oil is now not the bad smelling liquid that you had to drink from a tablespoon. Today it comes in special capsules - a really great solution!