Rickets is a childhood bone disorder that results from a deficiency of Vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. vitamin D deficiency is the main cause of rickets. Vitamin D plays a vital role to absorb calcium and phosphorus, these component are very important for strong and healthy bone development. When a child does not get enough vitamin D, their bone become soft and weak which lead the unhealthy bone development.
What Causes Rickets?
The main cause of rickets is deficiency of vitamin D in the body. This can happen due to:
- Diet with poor diet lacking of vitamin D and Poor diet.
- Limited sunlight exposure, human body produce vitamin D from sunlight when the skin expose to sunlight. Limited exposure to sunlight cause vitamin deficiency.
- Medical conditions some medical condition which are effecting the liver or kidney are preventing proper metabolism of vitamin D.
- Genetic factors, in rare cases, can also lead to rickets.
Some major Symptoms of Rickets:
Children with rickets show some major symptoms show visible and physical including.
Bowed legs or knock knees.
Soft and weak bones that fracture easily.
Delayed growth and short stature.
Difficulty in movement due to muscle weakness.
Rickets Effects on Health:
If this disease is left untreated for a long time it may lead to the several health effects which includes.
- If left untreated it can cause permanent skeletal deformities.
- It may also cause spine and pelvic abnormalities.
- It leads to impaired physical development.
- It also causes reduced quality of life due to weak bones and frequent fractures
Treatment:
This disease is treated by focuses on restoring vitamin D and calcium level in body. These treatment includes.
- Vitamin D supplements
- Vitamin D supplements in the form of drops, tablets, or injections are provided to treat rickets.
- Dietary improvement.
- To treat from rickets food with rich in vitamin D and calcium such as milk, eggs, fish, butter, and fortified cereals are preferred.
- Regular sunlight exposure
- The main source of vitamin D is sunlight to naturally boost vitamin D production regular exposure to sunlight to important.
- In severe or resistant cases, doctors may treat underlying conditions affecting vitamin D absorption.
Some important Prevention:
Rickets can be prevented by adopting simple lifestyle and change in the dietary measures.
- Almost (15 to 20) minutes of exposure to sunlight for absorbed vitamin D from sunlight.
- Have a balance diet which includes the food which contain adequate amount d vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus in it. (like dairy products, fish, green vegetables, egg etc.
- A medical team are providing supplements to the children with rickets who are at higher risk, especially in the region where there is limited sunlight.
Conclusion:
Rickets is a preventable disease that can cause from the deficiency of vitamin D and calcium in bones. The can be controlled or overcome with proper nutrition, including vitamin D and calcium riched food and a regular exposure to sunlight at least 15 to 20 minutes a day. an awareness is needed to the communities about rickets in children’s. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to avoid long-term complication. To eliminate rickets requires both public health and individual awareness to ensure that every child receives sufficient vitamin D for proper development of bones. Everyone should know the effects and causes of rickets and their treatment for better tomorrow of every child.
