Can rickets be treated?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Rickets is a disorder caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, leading to impaired calcium and phosphorus absorption, which then results in abnormal skeletal development. It is a chronic nutritional disease. Generally, the rickets commonly mentioned is due to nutritional vitamin D deficiency, which is treatable. Typically, encouraging children to engage in appropriate physical activities while supplementing with an adequate level of vitamin D can effectively control the disease, and it can even be cured. However, if there are special circumstances, such as significant liver abnormalities, renal function abnormalities, renal failure, or abnormalities in the thyroid or parathyroid glands, including parathyroid tumors, or congenital hereditary diseases, the treatment needs to be based on the cause in order to effectively control the disease and promote normal calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body. Congenital hereditary diseases generally make treatment more challenging. Therefore, it is crucial for children with rickets to seek timely medical examination at a hospital. If it is a common case of nutritional vitamin D deficiency, parents should supplement vitamin D promptly according to the doctor's advice for treatment.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of rickets in infants and young children

The symptoms of rickets in infants and young children mainly include excessive sweating, night terrors, thinning hair at the back of the head, rib cage flaring, pigeon chest, bow legs, and knock knees, among others. If a child exhibits the above symptoms, it is necessary to promptly test for trace elements and check bone density to see if the child has symptoms of calcium deficiency. If so, it is crucial to supplement the child with vitamin D and calcium. In terms of diet, it is necessary to enhance the child's nutrition and increase outdoor activities. Ensure that the child engages in outdoor activities for more than two hours each day, particularly between 12 PM and 2 PM. Avoid exposing the child to sunlight during this time to prevent sunburn, especially to the child's eyes.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can rickets be vaccinated against?

Children with rickets can be vaccinated, as rickets is not listed among the contraindications for vaccination. Rickets is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, a nutritional issue. Once diagnosed with rickets, it is essential to treat the child promptly by supplementing vitamin D. Generally, if treated early during infancy, rickets can be cured. To prevent rickets, all children should supplement with the physiological requirement of vitamin D from birth, engage in outdoor activities, and get ample sunlight to thoroughly prevent the occurrence of rickets. Rickets does not affect the administration of vaccines, nor does vaccination exacerbate the symptoms of rickets. Therefore, it is clear that children with rickets can be vaccinated.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Does rickets have a hereditary component?

Rickets, also known as vitamin D deficiency rickets, is primarily a chronic nutritional disease characterized by skeletal lesions, caused by insufficient vitamin D in infants, children, or adolescents, which leads to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The main feature of this disease is the incomplete calcification of the growth plates and bone tissue in the growing long bones, due to the lack of vitamin D causing incomplete calcification of mature bones. This disease is most common in children under two years old. Its causes may be related to insufficient intake of vitamin D or insufficient sunlight exposure, as well as rapid growth. Additionally, other diseases may influence its development. Therefore, this disease is generally not closely related to genetics.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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What are the early symptoms of rickets?

The early symptoms of rickets are mainly due to the inadequate intake of vitamin D in children, leading to disturbances in the body's calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Early signs usually appear around three months of age in infants, characterized by changes in mental state, restless sleep, frequent crying, and excessive sweating. Increased sweating is often accompanied by cradle cap, where circular bald patches appear on the back of the head. In such cases, it is important to include vitamin D-rich foods in the diet and supplement with vitamin D. Continued breastfeeding, engaging in outdoor activities, and exposure to sunlight are recommended to promote the body’s own synthesis of vitamin D. Regular physical examinations are also advised, and if symptoms of rickets occur, an appropriate increase in vitamin D intake may be necessary.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Which department should I go to for rickets?

Rickets, known as nutritional vitamin D deficiency rickets, is a chronic nutritional disease characterized by skeletal lesions, caused by a deficiency of vitamin D in the body leading to disturbed calcium and phosphate metabolism. In the early stages of rickets, it is primarily due to insufficient levels of vitamin D, which then leads to abnormal calcium and phosphate metabolism; at this stage, it is necessary to consult the endocrinology department to correct it timely. If rickets has already caused developmental deformities of the bones, orthopedic consultation is required for corrective treatment. For instance, if children exhibit pigeon chest, or noticeable bow legs or knock knees, they need to see an orthopedic specialist.