One of the most common childhood diseases is rickets. It is classified as a polyetiological disease of the metabolic type, caused by a lack of phosphorus and calcium salts in the body, as well as a violation of their transportation and metabolism. Rickets in children under one year old are quite pronounced. Signs are expressed in violation of the development of the musculoskeletal system of the child. The lack of mineralization of osteoid (vitamin D deficiency) causes bone disorders.
Rickets in children up to a year
Signs of the disease in the early period (2-3 months) are manifested by such indicators:
- timidity and anxiety;
- disturbing and shallow sleep;
- trembling from sharp sounds;
- excessive sweating of the face and occipital part of the head.
How does rickets appear in children
Up to a year, the signs of rickets are divided by severity:
1. Light degree. During this period, it is immediately noticeable how rickets are manifested in children:
- apparent compliance of the bones of the skull and the edges of the fontanel on the head;
- inability to hold the head;
- pronounced rib "rosary".
2. The average degree. At 6-7 months, they become noticeable:
- muscle and nerve disorders;
- delayed motor skills (does not roll over and does not sit);
- stunted growth and weight gain;
- bone softening develops;
- broken teething schedule.
3. Severe. It manifests itself with various complications:
- damage to internal organs;
- deviations in the bone and nervous system;
- mental retardation and
physical development.
Closer to the year, it is already clearly visible how rickets in children look:
- thickening of the ribs;
- slight protrusion or flatness of the chest;
- violation of posture and deformation of the limbs.
Causes of the disease
Lack of vitamins belonging to group B, vitamins A, zinc, magnesium and complete protein in the body is the most common reason why rickets develop in children under one year old. Signs of it are determined for many other reasons, for example, due to:
- hereditary predisposition;
- lack of salts of phosphates and calcium;
- prematurity;
- improper feeding and frequent diseases;
- bad ecology;
- endocrine disorders.
The most common form of the disease is D-deficient rickets (with a lack of sunlight, vegetarianism, late introduction into the diet of animal products - meat, fish, yolk).
Of great importance is the prevention of the disease.
Preventative measures
The health of the child depends entirely on the behavior of the future mother, an attentive attitude to herself. Prevention should begin in the perinatal period :
- from walks in the fresh air;
- with good nutrition;
- with timely treatment of anemia and toxicosis;
- with the administration of prescribed drugs and vitamins.
Breastfeeding of children up to a year is the best prevention of rickets. No artificial feeding can replace lactose in breast milk, which significantly contributes to the absorption of calcium. Frequent outdoor walks are recommended. Allow the child to move actively.
The child’s excessive consumption of flour products is undesirable, since they inhibit the process of bone mineralization and the absorption of calcium by the body.