Question
My child was diagnosed with rickets last year during a thorough examination, with slightly elevated chest walls. Could it be that the rickets is due to not being deficient in calcium?
Answer
The primary manifestations of rickets are changes in the bones. Initially, only the softening of the cranial bones is observed at the head, which becomes more pronounced at 7-8 months with the appearance of a square skull and delayed closure of the fontanel. In the chest, rib beads, pigeon chest, or funnel chest can be seen. The bones of the wrists and ankles enlarge, forming changes similar to bracelets. Additionally, due to bone softening, conditions such as bowlegs (genu valgum) or knock-knees (genu varum) may occur, commonly referred to as knock-knees. It is normal for infants at 6 months to have alopecia areata, which is unrelated to rickets and can be reassuring. Since the child has been affected by rickets, parents should take their child to see a doctor in a timely manner for treatment and avoid using advertised drugs blindly. Proper medication should be used instead.