Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the disease in which there is low bone mass with structural deterioration of the bone tissue resulting in fragile bones and increased risk of bone fractures. The meaning of the term osteoporosis is porous bones.

Causes and risk factors

Bones are made up of calcium, phosphorous and other minerals. When the concentration of these things decreases in bones they become weak and tend to break due to loss of internal support.

Certain medical condition are risk factors for osteoporosis like bedridden or wheelchair bound condition, hypogonadal states, premature ovarian failure, testosterone deficiency, malnutrition, endocrine disorders, rheumatological disorders, hematological disorders, renal inefficiency and scoliosis of unknown cause.

Being women, decrease in estrogen levels after menopause, excessive thyroid hormone, breast cancer, depression, older age, thin boned body, family history of osteoporosis, abnormal absence of menstrual periods in females and low testosterone levels in males, anorexia nervosa, diet low in calcium and vitamin D, inactive lifestyle, excess activity, exposure to heavy metals, certain medications like glucocorticoids, smoking and alcohol are the risk factors for osteoporosis.

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Symptoms

The condition itself does not have any symptoms. Increased risk of fractures is associated with osteoporosis. Severe back pain, loss of height over the period of time and fractures of hip, vertebral, wrist and other bone fractures are the symptoms of osteoporosis.

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Sighs and tests

Hip fracture, vertebra collapse or frequent fractures are the sign of osteoporosis. Bone mineral density test is used for diagnosis of osteoporosis before the bone fractures. X-ray and blood tests are done to find out the cause of the condition.

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Treatment

Treatment for osteoporosis is aimed at proper nutrition, physical exercise and security concerns to prevent falls. Calcium and phosphate supplements, estrogen antagonists and hormonal therapy are the types of medications available for the treatment of osteoporosis. Biphosphonates, raloxifene (selective estrogen receptor modulator), calcitonin, teriparatide and tamoxifen are some of the medications for osteoporosis. Biphosphonates is the main medication for osteoporosis but it has side effects.

Preventing falls is an important concern in osteoporosis patients.

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Expectations (Prognosis)

Generally patients of osteoporosis die with the disease but not because of disease. With proper nutrition, exercise and medications the condition can be controlled.

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Complications

Frequent fracture is the major complication of osteoporosis. Spine and hip fractures are more common.

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Calling your health care provider

If there are risk factors for osteoporosis are present then it better to get medical advice to prevent osteoporosis.

More intake of calcium containing foods like dairy products, green leafy vegetables, soy, almonds and others; intake of vitamin D; physical exercise and avoiding smoking, alcohol, caffeine and medications that lower the bone mass can prevent osteoporosis.

Preventing falls is very important for patients of osteoporosis.

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