Rachitis

(ra-ki’-tis). Rickets; a constitutional disease of childhood, marked by curving of the spine or long bones, and enlargement of the joints. The child perspires about the head, objects to the weight of the bed-clothes, the urine is strong-odoured and the belly gets big. Light, air, milk, good food, and soap and water, are the best cures for rickets, but if the disease is far advanced, splints may have to be applied, and raw meat juice and cod-liver oil be given. Rickety children are specially liable to colds, and must be warmly yet lightly clad.