OSTEOPOROSIS:
Osteoporosis is a medical condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break easily (Latin “porous bones”). Inside of the healthy bone consist of small spaces, like a honeycomb compartments. Osteoporosis will increase the size of these spaces, which cause the bone to lose strength and density. Along with it, the outside of the bone will also grows weaker slowly and reduces bone density. Osteoporosis can occur in people of any age groups, but it is most often seen in older adults, especially women.This raises the patient’s risk of fractures, or bone breaks, when doing normal tasks like standing or walking. The following are the most common serious injuries in persons with osteoporosis:
• Wrist fractures
• Hip fractures
• Fracture of the spinal bones (vertebrae)
OSTEOPOROSIS CAUSE:
In each and everyone’s life losing bone is a normal part of process of the ageing but in some people bone density gets lost much faster than normal process. This may lead to osteoporosis and also an increased risk of different types of fractures.
Women will also lose bone rapidly in the starting first few years after the menopause. It is most commonly observed in women than men, particularly if the menopause begins early (before the age of 45).Numerous additional variables, such as age, also raise the chance of getting osteoporosis.
• Long-term use oral corticosteroids with high doses.
• Other medical conditions – this category covers illnesses such as hormone-inflammatory disorders, which might lead to malabsorption issues.
• Family history of osteoporosis – particularly history of a parent with hip fracture
• Long-term usage of some drugs that can have an impact on bone density or hormone levels in the body
• Low body mass index (BMI)
• Heavy drinking and smoking
• Being female
• Being an older adult
• Poor nutrition
• Lack of physical activity
• Small-boned frame
When there is an imbalance between formation of new bone and resorption of old bone this leads to cause osteoporosis. The body may fail to generate the desired number of new bones, or it may resorb more old bones, or both. The two main essential minerals for formation of bone includes calcium and phosphate. Throughout youth, the body uses these two minerals to produce bones. Calcium is essential for proper functioning of the heart, brain, and also for other organs. To maintain those critical functioning of the organs ,the body will reabsorbs calcium and stored in the bones in order to maintain blood calcium levels. If calcium intake is not sufficient or if the body does not absorb required amount of calcium from the diet then the bone production and bone tissue may suffer.This may cause the bones to become weaker, resulting in fragile and brittle bones that shatter readily.
Bone loss usually develops over a long period of time. Frequently, a person learns of sickness only after suffering irreparable harm. The illness may have progressed by then, and the consequences may be severe.
A deficiency of certain hormones, primarily oestrogen hormone in women and androgen hormone in males, is the major cause of osteoporosis. In Women, particularly those over the age of 60, are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition. Women’s oestrogen levels drop throughout menopause, increasing their risk of osteoporosis. Additional variables that may lead to bone loss in persons of this age group.
Other medical conditions that may lead to osteoporosis can also include overuse of corticosteroids (Cushing syndrome)for prolonged period of time,thyroid related problem, lack of muscle use(physical inactivity), bone cancer, certain genetic disorders, use of certain medications, and problems such as low calcium intake in the diet.
OSTEOPOROSIS SYMPTOMS:
Beforehand in the course of the disease, osteoporosis may beget no symptoms or
advising signs. Latterly, it may beget height loss or dull pain in the bones or muscles, particularly downward back pain or neck pain. If symptoms do occur, some of the earlier bones may be included.
• Receding gums
• Weakened grip strength
• Weak and brittle nails
Severe Osteoporosis
Latterly in the course of the complaint, sharp pains may come on suddenly. The pain may not radiate( spread to other areas); it may be made worse by exertion that puts weight on the area, may be accompanied by tenderness, and generally begins to subside in one week. Pain may linger further than three months.
People with osteoporosis may not indeed recall a fall or other trauma that might beget a broken bone, similar as in the spine or foot.Spinal contraction fractures may affect in loss of height with a deigned posture( called a matriarch’s hump).
Fractures at other spots, generally the hip or bones of the wrist, generally affect from a fall.
DIAGNOSIS OF OSTEOPOROSIS:
Diagnosis of osteoporosis starts with a careful family history of osteoporosis or also a history of previous broken bones.
• Blood tests are used to assess calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, testosterone, thyroid function, and kidney function.
• Bone mineral density test: Based on a medical examination, a specialized test
called a bone mineral density test that can measure bone density in various sites of the body. The diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia can be made based upon the results of these tests. A bone mineral density test will detect the osteoporosis before a fracture occurs and can also predict the future fractures. A bone mineral density test will also monitor the effects of treatment if the tests are performed a year or more apart and may help determine the rate of bone loss.
• The DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry): It helps to measure the bone density of the spine, hip, or also total body.
• SXA (single-energy X-ray absorptiometry): this will be performed by using a smaller X-ray machine, will helps to measure bone density in the heel, shinbone, and kneecap.
OSTEOPOROSIS TREATMENT:
There is no cure for osteoporosis, but proper treatment can help to protect osteoporosis and also strengthen bones. These treatments will help in slowing the breakdown of bone in the body, and some treatments can also spur the growth of new bone. Increased calcium and vitamin D consumption, as well as proper exercise, are among the lifestyle improvements.
• Diet: Young adults should be encouraged to achieve normal peak bone mass by getting enough calcium (1,000 mg daily) in their diet (drinking milk or calcium-fortified orange juice and eating calcium-rich foods like salmon), engaging in weight-bearing exercise like walking or aerobics (swimming is aerobic but not weight-bearing), and maintaining a healthy body weight.
• Exercise: Lifestyle modification should also be incorporated into osteoporosis
treatment. Regular exercise will help to reduce the likelihood of bone fractures
which is associated with osteoporosis.
OSTEOPOROSIS MEDICATION:
The most common drugs which is used for the treatment of osteoporosis are called as bisphosphonates which are used to prevent the loss of bone mass.Among the drugs that can be given orally or by injection are:
• Alendronate
• Ibandronate
• Zoledronic acid
Other medications may be used to prevent bone loss or to stimulate bone growth. They include:
• Testosterone: In men, testosterone therapy may help to increase bone density.
• Hormone therapy: For women estrogen used during and after menopause ,will help to stop the loss of bone density.
• Raloxifene: This type of medication will provide the benefits of estrogen without
causing many of the risks, although there is still an increased risk of blood clots.
• Denosumab: This type of medication is taken by injection and this may prove even more promising than bisphosphonates at reducing bone loss.
• Teriparatide: This drug is also taken by injection and helps to stimulates bone
growth.
• Calcitonin salmon: This medication is taken as a nasal spray and helps to reduce bone reabsorption.