YOU might assume that diseases which reigned during the Victorian era would have been wiped out by modern medicine But a few have made a worrying resurgence in recent years, one of those being the bone-deforming disease rickets
Think of Charles Dickens’ character Tiny Tim, whose crippled legs may have been caused by the condition, according to modern medics.
Though the disease was common in the past, it mostly disappeared in the western world during the early 20th century after foods like margarine and cereal were fortified with vitamin D.
Now, regions in the UK have reported a startling surge in rickets, with cases in spots such as East Kent increasing sharply over the last five years.
Rickets, once synonymous with poverty and poor diets in Victorian Britain, affects bone development in children, causing bone pain, stunted growth and soft, weak bones that can lead to deformities.
A lack of vitamin D – derived from sunlight and some foods – or calcium is the most common cause of the disease, though in rare cases children can be born with a genetic form of rickets.
Left untreated, the condition can also lead to an abnormally curved spine, dental defects and seizures.
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Trust – one of the largest in England – recorded 122 cases in 2019.
But by 2023, that figure had swelled to more than 580 – a 380 per cent increase – according to a Freedom of Information request.
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Figures released earlier this year show that 28,379 Brits were diagnosed with rickets between 2019 and 2023.
Poverty and malnutrition could be factors fuelling the rise in scurvy cases in East Kent, as some parts of Thanet are among the poorest in England – more than 20 per cent of its population make up the bottom 10 per cent of most deprived Brits, according to KentOnline.
Cases of Victorian disease that causes ‘sandpaper rash and killer complications’ surge 42% in a week – is your area affected
But the surge in cases might also be down to medics getting better at spotting the Victorian disease.
East Kent’s Chief Medical Officer Des Holden said: “We interpret that part of the increase is due to increased recognition and more accurate recording of rickets.
“Our neo-natal teams are robust in recommending vitamin D for babies at risk, including mothers who have low vitamin D.
“There is also increased awareness in our team to screen for vitamin D levels.
“For example, vitamin D screening is now included in our guidance for children with obesity as this group is at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency.
“Children with rickets may previously have been recorded as having vitamin D deficiency and treated appropriately, but we have improved recording in our coding systems that they meet criteria to diagnose rickets.”
NHS England figures show a sharp increase in hospital admissions for a vitamin D deficiency – from 31,576 admissions in 2013/14 to 188,114 last year – which can lead to the skeletal disorder if left untreated.
Sarah Calcutt, chief executive of City Harvest, a charity which wants to reduce food insecurity, said “There is a whole Dickensian list of diseases that come around because key food groups are missing from people’s diets.”
Vitamin D comes from exposing the skin to sunlight but is also found in foods such as oily fish, eggs and some cereals.
Any child who doesn’t get enough vitamin D or calcium – either through their diet, or from sunlight – can develop rickets.
But according to the NHS, it’s more common in children with dark skin, as they need more sunlight to get enough vitamin D, as well as children born prematurely or taking medication that interferes with vitamin D.
Previously, experts said the rising cost of living is likely to be behind the surge in rickets and scurvy – another Victorian era disease – as parents struggle to afford fruit and veg and are instead forced to buy cheaper junk food, which lacks vital vitamins and minerals.
PREVENTING RICKETS
Medway GP Dr Julian Spinks says people of all ages should follow the national guidance and take vitamin D supplements to avoid the entirely preventable condition.
“We thought we’d got rid of it. But it is now back,” he told KentOnline.
“There is a possibility if a pregnant woman is very deficient herself that the baby will be born with a relative lack of vitamin D.
“However in most cases it’s because they’re not actually getting enough vitamin D and the two main ways we get it in the UK are from sunlight – particularly from April to September – and from food.
“Definitely diet plays a part. If children are not eating things like oily fish or eggs or for example – breakfast cereals which are often supplemented with vitamin D – then this will have an effect.
“Whilst it’s a very small proportion of the population, it is worrying that this is making a comeback and it’s because it’s a very preventable condition.”
How to protect your child from rickets
YOU can help prevent rickets in your children by ensuring they:
Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamin D, with foods like oily fish, red meat, eggs yolks and fortified cereals and spreads
Spend time in the sun between March and September (wearing sun cream prevents vitamin D absorption from the sun, but you should still apply it before skin starts to burn)
Take vitamin D supplements
Babies up to a year old need 8.5 to 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D a day, unless they are fed 500ml or more of infant formula a day.
Children from the age of one to four should be given a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D.
Adults – including pregnant and breastfeeding women – also need 10mcg of vitamin D a day, at least between October and March.
How do I know id my child has rickets
The signs and symptoms of rickets can include:
Pain – the bones affected by rickets can be sore and painful, so the child may be reluctant to walk or may tire easily; the child’s walk may look different (waddling)
Skeletal deformities – thickening of the ankles, wrists and knees, bowed legs, soft skull bones and, rarely, bending of the spine
Dental problems – including weak tooth enamel, delay in teeth coming through and increased risk of cavities
Poor growth and development – if the skeleton doesn’t grow and develop properly, the child will be shorter than average
Fragile bones – in severe cases, the bones become weaker and more prone to fractures
Source: NHS
For most children, rickets can be successfully treated by ensuring they eat foods that contain calcium and vitamin D, or by taking vitamin supplements.
Some families are eligible for free vitamin supplements from the government’s Healthy Start scheme.
The scheme can also support cash-strapped households with buying healthy food and milk.
For those who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, and are eligible, a benefit card is topped up every four weeks to help with the purchase of fresh food.
The card can also be used to collect Healthy Start vitamins for pregnant and breastfeeding mums, as well as vitamin drops for babies and young children up to four years old.
Ginger tea is good to drink as it tastes good and has many benefits. But drinking ginger tea many times a day can harm your health. Know what are the disadvantages of drinking too much ginger tea.
Drinking ginger tea during winter is considered beneficial for health. If there is no ginger in the morning tea, then it is not enjoyable. Ginger is considered very beneficial for health, but ginger tea can prove to be harmful instead of beneficial for health. Excessive consumption of ginger tea can cause stomach-related problems. Apart from this, tea with too much ginger can also lower your blood pressure. Drinking one cup a day is fine but not more than that. If you are also fond of drinking ginger tea, then know what are the disadvantages of it…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
Acidity in the stomach may increase- Drinking 1-2 cups of mild ginger tea a day does not cause much harm, but if you drink tea several times a day and use more ginger in the tea, then it can cause gas, acidity and cramps in the stomach. People who have stomach problems should not drink ginger tea.
Makes blood thinner- Ginger works as a natural blood thinner. In such a situation, people whose blood is already thin can be harmed by drinking ginger tea. Such people should avoid drinking ginger tea.
Lowers blood pressure- Ginger tea is beneficial for high blood pressure patients, but if your BP remains low then do not consume ginger tea. Ginger contains elements that reduce blood pressure. This can cause more problems for low BP patients.
Do not drink during pregnancy- Ginger tea should not be consumed in large quantities during pregnancy. It can cause heat in the stomach. Ginger is hot and drinking it can increase the problem of gas and acidity. Consuming too much ginger can also harm the baby in the womb.
Allergy can occur- Many times people are allergic to some food items. In such a situation, people suffering from allergies can have problems like itching, rashes and swelling on the skin by drinking ginger tea.
Cancer can often be present for years without being detected, depending on its type, location, and growth rate. The duration a person can have cancer without knowing varies widely due to these factors.
In such cases, the cancer could be present for several years before symptoms arise or a diagnosis is made. Prostate cancer, in particular, can sometimes be asymptomatic for a decade or more. Similarly, some types of thyroid cancer or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) might not show symptoms until they are quite advanced.
Conversely, some cancers are aggressive and grow quickly, potentially causing symptoms within months. Pancreatic cancer, for instance, is known for its rapid progression and late presentation of symptoms, often being diagnosed at an advanced stage. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
The absence of symptoms or vague, non-specific symptoms can delay diagnosis. Many people may experience symptoms that they attribute to less serious conditions, such as fatigue, weight loss, or mild pain, leading to delays in seeking medical advice. Additionally, some cancers are discovered incidentally during imaging studies for unrelated issues.
Regular screenings and awareness of family history can play a crucial role in early detection. For example, mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, and PSA tests for prostate cancer can help identify cancer before symptoms develop, particularly in individuals with a higher risk.
Ultimately, the length of time one can have cancer without knowing varies greatly and is influenced by the cancer’s characteristics and the individual’s health monitoring practices. Early detection through routine screenings and attention to potential symptoms can improve the chances of catching cancer before it becomes more advanced.
The appearance of a dark line along the stomach of pregnant women is a common phenomenon known as the “linea nigra.” This line, which runs vertically from the pubic area to the navel or sometimes even up to the sternum, is a normal part of pregnancy and typically becomes more pronounced as the pregnancy progresses
The linea nigra is a result of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Specifically, it is caused by an increase in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. During pregnancy, elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone stimulate the melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) in the skin, leading to the darkening of the linea alba, a line of connective tissue that is normally present on the abdomen but not usually visible…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
In addition to hormonal changes, the linea nigra’s appearance can be influenced by genetic factors. Women with darker skin may experience a more noticeable linea nigra due to their higher baseline levels of melanin. The line is usually more noticeable in women with fairer skin but can appear in varying degrees on all skin types.
The function of the linea nigra is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be a remnant of the evolutionary process. Some theories suggest that the line could serve as a marker or guide during pregnancy, potentially aiding in the alignment of the fetus during birth, though this is not definitively proven. Another possible function is that the line may help to provide a visual reference for the growing uterus and the expanding abdomen, which could be beneficial during the later stages of pregnancy. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
It is important to note that the appearance of the linea nigra is generally harmless and fades after childbirth. As hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels, melanin production decreases, and the line gradually lightens and disappears over time. However, the rate at which it fades can vary from woman to woman.
In conclusion, the linea nigra is a natural and common occurrence during pregnancy, caused by hormonal changes and increased melanin production. While its exact function is not fully understood, it is considered a normal part of the body’s adaptation to pregnancy and generally resolves after childbirth.
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