All about rickets disease  causes of rickets symptoms of rickets diagnosis of rickets treatment for rickets |
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What's the treatment for rickets?
The treatment goals for rickets are to relieve symptoms and correct the cause of the condition. The underlying cause must
be treated to prevent recurrence. The replacement of deficient calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D will eliminate most symptoms of rickets. Dietary sources of vitamin D include fish, liver, and processed milk. Exposure to moderate amounts of sunlight is encouraged. Treating rickets caused by metabolic abnormalities may require a special prescription for vitamin D. A sufficient amount of sunlight each day and adequate supplies of calcium and phosphorus in the diet can prevent rickets. Darker skinned babies need to be exposed longer to the ultraviolet rays. The replacement of Vitamin D may correct rickets using these methods of ultraviolet light and medicine. Rickets heals promptly with 4000 IU of oral vitamin D per day administered for approximately one month.. During this treatment, the doctor should monitor the levels of 25-OH-D in the plasma to make certain they are raised to a normal value. The bone abnormalities (visible by x ray) generally disappear gradually over a period of 3-9 months. Parents are instructed to take their infants outdoors for approximately 20 minutes per day with their faces exposed. Children should also be encouraged to play outside. Foods that are good sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, egg yolks, butter, and oily fish. Some foods, including milk and breakfast cereals, are also fortified with synthetic vitamin D. |
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More information on rickets
What is rickets? - Rickets is an abnormal bone formation in children resulting from inadequate calcium in their bones. Rickets is a failure to mineralize bone.
What causes rickets? - The main cause of rickets is the deficiency of vitamin D caused in the body during childhood. Vitamin D acts as a hormone to regulate calcium absorption.
What're the symptoms of rickets? - The symptoms of rickets include bowed legs and bowed arms. Other symptoms of rickets include particular bony bumps on the ribs.
How is rickets diagnosed? - Rickets is diagnosed by x-ray examination of leg bones. A blood test may measure the amounts of the minerals calcium and phosphorus.
What's the treatment for rickets? - The treatment goals for rickets are to relieve symptoms and correct the cause of the condition. The underlying cause must be treated to prevent recurrence. |
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