Question
What are some effective treatment methods for pediatric rickets?
Answer
Rickets, commonly known as “soft bone disease,” is a chronic malnutrition disease commonly seen in infants and young children. It is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D in the body, leading to abnormal metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, which prevents calcium and phosphorus from normally depositing in the growing parts of the bones, and in severe cases, it can lead to skeletal deformities. While rickets rarely threatens life, it progresses slowly, is often not discovered early, and once symptoms are apparent, they often come with a weakened immune system, making it susceptible to respiratory and gastrointestinal infections that can be life-threatening. The main reason for the deficiency of vitamin D is insufficient intake. The diet of infants generally contains very little vitamin D, and the content of vitamin D in human milk, cow’s milk, and other dairy products cannot meet the needs of normal growth and development. Vitamin D mainly comes from two sources: one is the vitamin D contained in animals and plants, which can promote the absorption and retention of calcium and phosphorus, keeping a certain concentration of these substances in the body’s tissue fluid. These substances are not only the main components of bones but also essential for the normal functioning of many important tissues in the body. The other source of vitamin D is ultraviolet rays in sunlight, which, when they Irradiation on the skin, can convert a substance called 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin into vitamin D, supplementing the deficiency of vitamin D from food. Rickets often develops within 3 to 4 months after birth in infants, initially manifesting as neurological symptoms such as irritability, easy anger, night terrors, and excessive sweating. When infants are feeding or crying, they may sweat even more, potentially drenching their pillows. Due to the irritation from sweating, children often shake their heads and rub their pillows, leading to…