Question
Is Osteomalacia equivalent to Rickets?
Answer
Osteomalacia, also known as Rickets, is a common pediatric disease primarily caused by a deficiency in calcium and vitamin D in the body. Symptoms include skeletal deformities, muscle weakness, and non-specific mental and neurological symptoms. Although Rickets rarely threatens life directly, its slow progression often leads to neglect. Once obvious symptoms appear, the body’s resistance is already weakened, making it susceptible to complications such as pneumonia and vomiting.