Osteoporosis, best explained by breaking down the word ‘Osteoporosis’ meaning ‘reduced bone density’, is a medical condition in which bones become weak and brittle. This thinning of bones and weak bon..
Osteoporosis, best explained by breaking down the word ‘Osteoporosis’ meaning ‘reduced bone density’, is a medical condition in which bones become weak and brittle. This thinning of bones and weak bone crystals put the person at a greater risk of getting bone fractures. This condition can affect any gender, but is more prevalent in women who have crossed menopause. As per a report from National Osteoporosis Foundation, a healthy bone has an architecture similar to a honeycomb. In comparison, a bone with low density will have larger holes compared to a healthy bone.
![Symptoms](https://www.medanta.org/storage/disease-image/Osteoporosis/Symptoms.jpg)
The early stage of loss of bone has typically no symptoms. But as it progresses, signs begin to show. The major symptoms of this disease are:
- Persistent back pain.
- Difficulty in standing for long periods.
- Fractures, or a collapsed vertebra.
- Bending spinal cord causing loss of height and change of body posture.
- Bone fracture that may occur more easily and rapidly even with slightest of shock.
![Causes](https://www.medanta.org/storage/disease-image/Osteoporosis/Causes.jpg)
Osteoporosis occurs when the rate of formation of new bone is lower, as compared to wear and tear being caused. The major causes of this disease are:
- Loss of bone density in case of pregnancy, delivery, and lactation.
- Reduction of generation of oestrogen.
- Prolonged use of oral corticosteroids under high dosage.
- Medical conditions like inflammation, hormone imbalance, malnutrition, and low calcium absorption by body.
- A family history, particularly hip fracture of any one parent.
- Long term use of medications which affects bone density or hormone balance.
- Lower body mass index (BMI).
- Smoking and alcohol consumption.
![Risks](https://www.medanta.org/storage/disease-image/Osteoporosis/Risk.jpg)
Factors and certain habits that increase the risk of the disease are:
- Sex - Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
- Age - The older you get, the greater the risk of osteoporosis.
- Race – You are at greatest risk of osteoporosis, if you are a Caucasian or of Asian descent.
- Family history - Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at a greater risk, especially if your mother or father experienced a hip fracture.
- Body frame size - Men and women who have small body frames tend to have a higher risk because they may have less bone mass to draw from, as they age..
- Hormone levels - Too much or too less of certain hormone types may pose a risk for the disease.
- Dietary - Eating disorders or a surgery that limited the amount of surface area available to absorb nutrients, including calcium.
- Medications and steroids: Prolonged use of oral or injected corticosteroid medications such as prednisone and cortisone, interferes with bone building.
- Lifestyle – Sitting for a long time, regular consumption of alcohol, and tobacco intake.
- Other diseases such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, cancer, lupus, multiple myeloma, rheumatoid arthritis affect nutrient intake and normal body functioning.
![Prevention](https://www.medanta.org/storage/disease-image/Osteoporosis/Prevention.jpg)
To prevent the occurrence of this disease, these are certain things one should take care of:
- Weight bearing exercises.
- Diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle.
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