Osteoporosis is a condition where bones are porous due to the lower density of bone tissue. This condition is linked to an increased risk of sustaining fractures. Most of the time, the condition is not evident up until the fracture occurs, and is the reason why the condition is often referred to as “The Silent Disease”.
It is a fact that in India, Osteoporotic fractures are frequent in males and females and impact around 10 million people per year. According to a study that was carried out in 2013, about 50 million Indians suffer with Osteoporosis or have a lower bone mass.
Risk Factors in Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can make you more prone to suffer a fracture as it reduces your bone mass and density. There may not be any visible or painful symptoms typically, the first sign is a broken bone, most often vertebra.
Factors that increase the chance of developing osteoporosis include:
- The age of the user: It’s a natural biological process of the human body, that old bone cells degrade as new ones grow. But, when a person enters their 30s, the body begins to break down bone faster than it’s in a position to replace it. Therefore, those over 50 years of age are more at chance of becoming Osteoporosis.
- Genre:Due to changes in hormone levels, Osteoporosis is more prevalent in postmenopausal women (women who are in the age group 45-55 years). Men in the same age group are at a higher risk of developing the disease however the odds are lower compared to the risk of women.
- Family Background: The risk of getting the disease is increased when any of the family members in the first-degree is suffering from Osteoporosis. The risk is higher if any of the parents have suffered fractured hips.
- Dietary FactorsOsteoporosis tends to be seen in those with a an inadequate intake of calcium. The risk is also higher when people are overweight or limit their food intake. Individuals who have had surgery for gastrointestinal issues in the past to shrink the size of their stomachs are at risk of developing the condition.
- Medicines: Long term exposure to corticosteroid may hinder the body’s ability of repairing bones. So, those who take corticosteroids are more prone be prone to developing osteoporosis. Drugs used to prevent and treat Gastric reflux Seizures, Cancer, and rejection of Transplants have also been shown to increase the chance for developing Osteoporosis.
- Lifestyle FactorsCertain behaviors can increase the likelihood of acquiring Osteoporosis. They include a lack of exercise as well as excessive drinking cigarettes, alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Does Osteoporosis manifest any symptoms?
Osteoporosis can be described as a silent illness because it does not display any symptoms until there is fracture. The first sign of Osteoporosis is usually fractured bone. When the bones have been damaged and the patient is suffering, he or she may experience various symptoms like backache caused by a collapsed or fractured vertebra, stooped posture weak bones, and decreased height.
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What is HTML0? Osteoporosis be detected?
On the basis of the medical health history of the patient and an examination of the body If the doctor suspects that osteoporosis is present, he might ask patients to take several urine tests and blood tests to identify ailments that can result in bone loss. For confirmation of the diagnosis, a doctor could conduct an Bone Mineral Density Test. This test can determine what amount of calcium is absorbed in a bone segment. The bones most frequently tested for BMD are usually located in the spine, hip and occasionally in the forearm.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) the The Bone Mineral Density is recommended at equal intervals for women over 65, women who smoke or drink alcohol as well as those who lead the habit of sitting for long periods. Also, it is recommended to patients suffering from arthritis and kidney disease.
Treatment for Osteoporosis
There is any cure to osteoporosis however, fractures of bones can be avoided through treatment. After the diagnosis the doctor might prescribe specific medicines to stop the degrading of bones within the patient. The doctor might also suggest lifestyle modifications to help strengthen and protect the bones. This includes regular exercise as well as the intake of calcium as well as Vitamin D.
Prevention of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a severe medical condition that can cause complicated fractures and discomfort. Although it isn’t treatable however, there are many methods to reduce the risk and maintain strong bones. To ensure that bones are healthy, one must incorporate Calcium and vitamin D-rich foods in their diet. Food items rich in calcium include dairy, yogurt and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin D is obtained by the exposure to the sun. In addition regular exercise, stress-reducing yoga, and a moderate intake of alcohol will also aid to maintain bone health.
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