What is rickets?
Disease description:
A relative's child has been diagnosed with rickets and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital. I would like to ask, what are the symptoms of rickets?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Shuai
Rickets is a common vitamin D deficiency disease in infants and young children, caused by impaired calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body leading to poor bone calcification.
The disease develops slowly; in its early stages, it may manifest only as increased nervous system excitability, such as irritability, restlessness, and excessive sweating. As the condition progresses, skeletal deformities gradually appear, including a square-shaped skull, pigeon chest, O-shaped legs, or X-shaped legs. Rickets not only affects the child's growth and development but may also lead to other complications, such as pneumonia and anemia.
The key to preventing rickets is ensuring adequate intake of vitamin D. For high-risk groups, doctors may recommend vitamin D supplements. If symptoms of rickets have already appeared, timely medical attention is necessary.
