Question

What are the early symptoms of rickets, and how should they be handled?

Answer

The early symptoms of rickets mainly manifest as unstable emotions in children, such as irritability, restlessness, sleep disturbances, night awakenings, and excessive sweating. Due to the stimulation of sweat, children often shake their heads and rub their pillows while sleeping, leading to bald patches at the back of the head (cervical alopecia). Additionally, symptoms such as O-shaped legs, pigeon chest, or square head may occur. Rickets is primarily caused by a lack of calcium. It is recommended to supplement calcium and vitamin AD drops appropriately and to get more sun exposure during winter to promote calcium absorption. Rickets has a significant impact on children, so it is advisable for parents to take their children to a specialist for diagnosis and treatment under the guidance of a doctor. In daily life, children should be given sufficient care and attention, with emphasis on their diet and nutrition, in hopes that they can recover soon.