Patient's question:
At five and a half months, when I gave the child a bath, I noticed that the two lower ribs were protruding. I took him to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor said it was due to calcium deficiency. However, after tests, it was found to be only mild zinc deficiency. The child's overall health is excellent, and his growth and development are normal. The doctor prescribed some zinc supplements for treatment.I would like to ask: What kind of medication should I use? Will it affect the child's growth and development? Is this intercostal groove a sign of rickets?
Doctor's answer:
General costal margin inversion is one of the manifestations of calcium deficiency. The human body has a compensatory mechanism, so sometimes laboratory tests may not necessarily show calcium deficiency, or the symptoms may not be obvious. With active treatment and preventive measures, there is generally no problem. You can first give her zinc for a period of time, and then take calcium for another period of time. You can also give the child more bone broth and other foods. The above is advice on this issue. I hope it helps you. Wishing you health!