What department should I go to for rickets?

Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

Updated on September 11, 2024

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Rickets, fully known as nutritional vitamin D deficiency rickets, is a chronic nutritional disease characterized by skeletal lesions in children caused by insufficient vitamin D leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. In the early stages of rickets, the main issues are disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and low levels of vitamin D. At this time, one can consult the endocrinology department to check the child's trace elements. If sequelae have already formed, such as obvious pigeon chest or developmental deformities of the lower limbs bones, then it would be appropriate to consult an orthopedic department for corrective treatment.

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Written by Mo Ming Hua

Pediatrics

46sec

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Does rickets affect development and intelligence?

Rickets is primarily caused by a deficiency in vitamin D and mainly affects normal growth and development, with very little to no impact on intelligence. In the early stages of rickets, symptoms mainly include irritability, restlessness, and excessive sweating at night. The body primarily exhibits symptoms such as sweating, night terrors, and irritability, with symptoms becoming significantly more pronounced. During this period, the main manifestations are skeletal deformities, which vary in different age groups. For example, there can be softening of the skull, as well as pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum, and X-shaped or O-shaped legs. In severe cases, spinal deformities may also occur.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

57sec

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Which department should I go to for rickets?

Rickets is a nutritional disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and resulting in abnormal bone development. During the early and active stages, the X-ray shows no obvious abnormalities in bone development; it is primarily a conceptual metabolic disorder along with low levels of vitamin D. At this time, it is advisable to consult an endocrinology department. If there are sequelae and mild to moderate sequelae, rehabilitation methods are needed for correction, and at this point, a rehabilitation department should be consulted. If there are severe skeletal deformities, surgical correction may be necessary, and at this time, an orthopedic department should be consulted.

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Written by Mo Ming Hua

Pediatrics

1min 15sec

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If rickets is not treated, what will be the impact?

Rickets, if untreated, mainly involves changes in skeletal deformities and motor function in children. Rickets is primarily caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, which is essential for promoting the absorption of calcium. A deficiency in vitamin D leads to reduced calcium absorption. Lower calcium absorption results in a calcium deficiency in the body, which in turn causes changes in the bones. In the early stages of vitamin D deficiency, the main symptoms are increased neural excitability, which may manifest as startle reactions, irritability, restlessness, and excessive sweating. During the active phase, symptoms of increased nervous system excitability become more pronounced, mainly presenting as skeletal deformities. What aspects do these skeletal deformities affect? One is the softening of the skull, pigeon chest, funnel chest, and changes resembling wristbands and anklets. If the condition worsens further, it can present as X-shaped legs, O-shaped legs, and spinal deformities. Thus, if rickets progresses, it can lead to skeletal deformities and impairments in motor functions, among other issues.

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Written by Liu Li

Pediatrics

43sec

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What foods should not be eaten with rickets?

Patients with rickets should not eat some cereal foods, such as millet, rice, wheat, corn, and other foods. Cereal foods also contain vitamin D and calcium, and eating too much of these foods can exacerbate the disease. Patients with rickets should eat more light, low-fat, and easily digestible foods. They should control the intake of high-fat content daily and avoid eating stimulating and spicy foods. At the same time, they should increase their intake of vitamins, encourage the child to eat more fruits and vegetables to ensure an adequate supply of vitamins, and patients can also exercise more. More physical activity can help boost the immune system.

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Written by Tong Peng

Pediatrics

1min 7sec

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Can rickets with rib eversion in babies be cured?

Babies with rib flaring can be treated, but it requires assessment based on relevant clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. First, it is necessary to understand that rickets is a metabolic bone disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, which often results not only in rib flaring but also in square skull, pigeon chest, and either bowlegs or knock-knees. Neurologically, symptoms may include night sweats, easy startling during sleep, and poor sleep quality. When these conditions occur, a physical examination by a specialist is essential, along with comprehensive tests, including measuring the specific levels of vitamin D, and selecting appropriate vitamin D supplements. If the symptoms of rib flaring are severe and accompanied by a noticeable pigeon chest, orthotic supports may also be necessary for correction. If rib flaring affects normal breathing, severe cases may require surgical treatment. Therefore, the extent of severity based on clinical symptoms will dictate the treatment approach—whether it is oral medication, orthotic correction, or surgery.