Bad sleep and increased excitability in the child is notare considered as signs of rickets. Photo: Getty The causes of this disease are considered to be a deficiency of vitamin D (cholecalciferol), as well as a deficiency of calcium, phosphorus. Without the "solar vitamin" minerals are not absorbed by the body, which provokes the development of rickets.

Rickets in infants: causes of development and at risk

The disease affects children with a darker shade more oftenskin than whites and red-haired kids. This is due to the fact that swarthy babies in the skin have more melanin, which prevents the development of vitamin D. The main causes of rickets:

• Deficiency of cholecalciferol;
• lack of calcium and phosphorus;
• lack of sunlight;
• violations of the production of vitamin D;
• diseases of the thyroid and parathyroid gland;
• adverse environmental conditions in the child's place of residence.

Lack of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin Dcompensated with the help of taking special medications, observing the regime of the day and correct nutrition enriched with useful substances. Cholecalciferol, phosphorus, calcium in quantities that are optimal for infants are contained in the mother's milk and in quality adapted milk mixtures. Babies growing in the Far North and Transbaikalia are more likely to suffer from rickets than babies born in the middle zone of Russia and in the South. Also children born in large cities and industrial centers with high air pollution are at risk. In such children, a predisposition to rickets is associated with a lack of sunlight. Therefore, doctors recommend that they take vitamin D as a prophylaxis, in a single daily dose of 500 IU.

Signs of rickets in infants

Visual examination by a doctor can not be a pretextto establish a diagnosis. To confirm it, the amount of vitamin D, phosphorus and calcium in the body is determined by blood tests. In addition, the baby is referred for radiographic examination of the joints of the hands or feet. The main symptoms of rickets, based on which the expert appoints a survey:

• Softening of the skull bones;
• the appearance of seals on the ribs;
• an enlarged abdomen ("froggy" abdomen);
• change in the shape of the frontal and parietal tubercles - the head acquires the shape of a square;
• slowing growth;
• low muscle tone;
• curving legs and handles;
• later teething with a bad enamel, in the future such teeth are quickly destroyed.

In the photo, the signs of rickets are often confused withsymptoms of other diseases. Therefore, in the case of this disease, additional research is required. Rachitis is not accompanied by excessive sweating. The first symptom of the disease is a change in the chest and abdominal shape. At the slightest suspicion of rickets, consult a pediatrician or a pediatric surgeon for advice. Independent intake of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus leads to their overabundance in the body, which is also harmful to the health of the baby. The best prevention of rickets is frequent walks in sunny weather in the fresh air and breastfeeding or feeding with adapted mixtures. Additional intake of vitamin D and minerals is possible only with the appointment of a doctor. It is also useful to know:

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