Why can the fontanelle be swollen after taking vitamin A?

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Le Thanh Cam - Pediatrician - Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

The bulging fontanelle after a child takes vitamin A is a mild side effect, bulging fontanelle symptoms usually only last about 1-2 days and do not affect the child's health much. In addition to the side effects of bulging fontanelles, vitamin A can also cause discomfort, irritability, headaches, diarrhea or swelling in children...

Vitamin A, also known as Retinol, is a high molecular weight alcohol that is ingested as a provitamin or synthesized from plant Carotenoids. Retinol isomers and derivatives are commonly referred to as retinoids. This is a fat-soluble micronutrient, for children, this vitamin is essential for physical development, strengthening the immune system to protect the body against infections. Specifically:
Help children develop physically, promote health: Vitamin A participates in the process of cell division to help children grow healthy. Therefore, in the case of children lacking vitamin A, they will be physically retarded compared to their peers. For vision, vitamin A plays a role in the vision process of the eyes, especially at night. Vitamin A protects the skin, mucous membranes of the eyes, trachea, small intestine and excretory glands. If the epithelial cells are keratinized due to vitamin A deficiency, it will make the child less able to absorb nutrients. Vitamin A also plays a role in immunity, if vitamin A deficiency, children will be susceptible to bacterial infections such as respiratory and digestive infections... at the same time, the treatment time is longer, the risk of death is high. Vitamin A is produced in the form of high-dose capsules with 2 types. The red capsule contains 200,000 units, the blue capsule contains 100,000 units. Vitamin A is usually used for children from 6 to 60 months old according to the national campaign of vitamin A supplementation twice a year.

In children 6 months -5 years old, after taking vitamin A, there may be bulging fontanelles. Therefore, many parents wonder 'is the fontanelle bulging after taking vitamin A?' In fact, this is a mild and transient side effect, this symptom usually only lasts for about 1-2 days. and is not dangerous to the health of the child. In addition to the side effects of bulging fontanelles, children also have signs of irritability, irritability, headache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, local difficulty breathing, swelling, itchy skin, swelling of the face or lips, allergies. If the child does not have a fever and is still playing well and awake, parents can continue to monitor at home.
However, if the child has 1 of the following problems, the child should be taken to the nearest medical facility to be examined and evaluated to rule out dangerous diseases (eg, meningitis, traumatic brain injury). ...) Abnormal signs include:
The fontanelle is bulging when there is a fever accompanied by signs of lethargy. stop eating There is a skin rash Cyanosis or pale skin Besides, if there are no accompanying signs above, if after 72 hours of taking vitamin A, the child still has symptoms of bulging fontanelles, nausea or vomiting, fussiness If there is no improvement, parents need to take the child to the doctor. In addition, children in the period from 6 months to 3 years old are very susceptible to respiratory problems, respiratory infections, skin diseases and gastrointestinal infections... Pay special attention to the care and provision of adequate nutrition for children.

The pediatric department at Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for receiving and examining diseases that infants and young children are susceptible to: viral fever, bacterial fever, otitis media, pneumonia in children. With a system of facilities, modern medical equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread, Vinmec will bring satisfaction to customers. and is highly appreciated by industry experts with:
Gathering a team of leading pediatricians: Including leading experts with high professional qualifications (professors, associate professors, doctors, Master's degree), experienced, worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. The doctors are all well-trained, professional, conscientious, knowledgeable about young psychology. Besides domestic pediatricians, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. Advanced techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, stem cell transplantation blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to play comfortably and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.