Patient's question:
Description: I had rickets (when I was a child), and now I'm an adult, but I have some deformities: pigeon chest, very thin arms (legs are okay), and a relatively large head. Are rickets a disease that only affects children? When children with rickets grow up, do they no longer need treatment? THANKYOUDoctor's answer:
Rickets is usually caused by severe calcium deficiency in childhood. It typically manifests as chest deformity, forming pigeon chest, due to abnormal development of the sternum. The deformed sternum and chest deformity can compress the lungs and heart, leading to lung and heart diseases. It may also cause bone and joint deformities, particularly affecting the lower limbs, resulting in X-shaped or O-shaped legs and impairing normal walking. It is recommended that you regularly check the child's trace elements. If there is calcium deficiency or chest deformity has already formed, calcium supplementation should be administered promptly. Oral calcium gluconate solution and vitamin AD can be taken for better effects.