Osteoporosis : Causes, Risk factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, treatment, Prevention and complications
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle. This can make them more likely to break, even after a minor fall or bump. Osteoporosis can affect anyone, but it is most common in older adults, especially women.
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- Written : Saudat Rabiu M.D
- Contributed : Aisha Musa Dan batta
- Medically Reviewed : Idris sani Ph.d
- Editor : Victoria Solomon (B.A English language)
- Published : Rabiu Rabiu (Dr. Cracker)
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• What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. This is due to a loss of bone density, which is the amount of mineral in bones. When bone density is low, bones are more likely to break.
• How common is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a very common disease. It is estimated that over 53 million people in the United States have osteoporosis or low bone mass. Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men.
• What are osteoporosis symptoms?
Osteoporosis is often called a "silent disease" because there are often no symptoms until a bone breaks. However, some people with osteoporosis may experience back pain, a stooped posture, or height loss.
• Osteoporosis risk factors
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of osteoporosis, including:
- Age: Osteoporosis is more common in older adults.
- Sex: Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
- Race: White people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than Black or Hispanic people.
- Family history: Osteoporosis tends to run in families.
- Body size: Smaller people are more likely to develop osteoporosis.
- Diet:.A diet low in calcium and vitamin D can increase your risk of osteoporosis.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can increase your risk of osteoporosis.
- Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease, can increase your risk of osteoporosis.
- Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can increase your risk of osteoporosis.
• How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
Osteoporosis is diagnosed using a bone density test. This test measures the amount of mineral in your bones. There are two types of bone density tests:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA): This is the most common type of bone density test. It is a quick and painless test that uses X-rays to measure bone density.
- Quantitative computed tomography (QCT): This type of bone density test is more accurate than DXA, but it is also more expensive and time-consuming. QCT is often used to diagnose osteoporosis in people who have certain medical conditions or who have had a previous fracture.
• How is osteoporosis treated?
Osteoporosis is treated with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Medications for osteoporosis can help to increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
Common medications for osteoporosis include:
- Bisphosphonates: These medications work by slowing down bone breakdown.
- Denosumab: This medication works by blocking a protein that is involved in bone breakdown.
- Romosozumab: This medication works by increasing bone formation.
- Estrogen and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs): These medications can help to prevent bone loss in women after menopause.
• How can I lower my risk of osteoporosis?
There are a number of things you can do to lower your risk of osteoporosis, including:
- Eat a healthy diet: Eat plenty of calcium and vitamin D.
- Exercise regularly: Do weight-bearing exercises.
- Quit smoking: Smoking weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.
• What can I expect if I have osteoporosis?
If you have osteoporosis, you will need to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan. Your treatment plan will likely include a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.
It is important to take your medications as prescribed and to follow your doctor's recommendations regarding lifestyle changes. With proper treatment, you can reduce your risk of fractures
• What can I do to take care of myself?
In addition to taking your medications and following your doctor's recommendations regarding lifestyle changes, there are a number of things you can do to take care of yourself if you have osteoporosis:
- Make your home safe: Remove any tripping hazards from your home. Install grab bars in the bathroom and non-slip mats in the tub and shower. Use a step stool to reach high shelves.
- Be careful when lifting and carrying: Avoid lifting heavy objects. If you must lift something heavy, bend your knees and keep your back straight.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Wear shoes with good arch support and non-slip soles.
- Get regular checkups: See your doctor for regular checkups and bone density tests.
• What is the life expectancy of someone with osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is not a life-threatening disease. However, it can increase your risk of fractures, which can lead to serious complications, such as disability and death.
With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of fractures and improve your quality of life.
• Conclusion
Osteoporosis is a serious condition, but it is manageable. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of fractures and improve your quality of life.
• References
- National Osteoporosis Foundation: https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/osteoporosis.htm/
- American College of Rheumatology: https://acsearch.acr.org/docs/69358/Narrative/
- National Institutes of Health: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosis/syndicate/
- Osteoporosis Action Alliance: https://www.oaaction.org/
- International Osteoporosis Foundation: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/
- Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation: https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/
- Osteoporosis Society of Canada: https://osteoporosis.ca/
- Osteoporosis Australia: https://healthybonesaustralia.org.au/
