How to Treat Rickets in Babies
Rickets is a condition in which the bones become soft and weakened because they lack calcium and phosphate. It is most often caused by a vitamin D deficiency, which can occur when a baby does not get enough sunlight or breast milk.
Symptoms of rickets
The symptoms of rickets can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:
Soft, pliable bones
Delayed growth
Bone pain
Muscle weakness
Irritability
Seizures
Diagnosis of rickets
Rickets can be diagnosed with a physical examination and blood tests. The blood tests will measure the levels of calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D in the blood.
Treatment of rickets
The treatment of rickets involves increasing the levels of calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D in the body. This can be done through:
Vitamin D supplements: Vitamin D supplements are available in drops, tablets, and injections. The dose of vitamin D will depend on the severity of the rickets.
Calcium and phosphate supplements: Calcium and phosphate supplements are also available in drops, tablets, and injections. The dose of calcium and phosphate will depend on the severity of the rickets.
Sunlight: Sunlight can help the body produce vitamin D. It is important to expose your baby to sunlight for short periods of time each day, especially during the summer months.
Breastfeeding: Breast milk is a good source of calcium and phosphate. If you are breastfeeding your baby, you should continue to do so for as long as possible.
Prevention of rickets
The best way to prevent rickets is to ensure that your baby gets enough vitamin D. This can be done through:
Sunlight: Expose your baby to sunlight for short periods of time each day, especially during the summer months.
Breastfeeding: Breast milk is a good source of vitamin D. If you are breastfeeding your baby, you should continue to do so for as long as possible.
Vitamin D supplements: If you are not breastfeeding your baby or if your baby does not get enough sunlight, you should give them a vitamin D supplement.
Diet for babies with rickets
In addition to treating rickets with medication, it is important to make sure that your baby is getting a healthy diet. The diet should include plenty of calcium-rich foods, such as:
Milk
Yogurt
Cheese
Leafy green vegetables
Beans
Nuts
Seeds
The diet should also include plenty of vitamin D-rich foods, such as:
Fatty fish
Eggs
Liver
Fortified milk
Fortified cereal
Prognosis for children with rickets
With early diagnosis and treatment, most children with rickets will make a full recovery. However, if the condition is not treated, it can lead to serious complications, such as:
Bone deformities
Growth problems
Muscle weakness
Seizures
Heart failure
When to call the doctor
You should call the doctor if your baby has any of the symptoms of rickets, such as:
Soft, pliable bones
Delayed growth
Bone pain
Muscle weakness
Irritability
Seizures
Other resources
The following resources can provide you with more information about rickets:
[National Institutes of Health](https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/rickets/conditioninfo/Pages/default.aspx)
[American Academy of Pediatrics](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/bone-muscle-joint-problems/Pages/Rickets.aspx)
[Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rickets/symptoms-causes/syc-20354968)
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