Overview of Osteoporosis - Essay Example

Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is one of the leading ailments that plague the aging population, although it can occurto anyone regardless of age. In this regard, it is vital to know more about this condition so as to effectively promote its prevention and treatment. This paper intends to provide an overview about osteoporosis through the discussion of risk factors, causes, symptoms as well as treatment and preventive measures that could be undertaken. Definition Under normal conditions, the bone is comprised of protein collagen and calcium ("MedicineNet"). For a healthy adult, bone is continually absorbed by and rebuilt into the body. Bones become larger and heavier as new bone tissue is added faster that existing bone is absorbed. Such process continues until one reaches the age of 30 when the bone mass or density peaks. (Anderson) However, when osteoporosis sets in, the normal replenishment of old bone tissue is substantially disrupted ("The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia"). Given this disorder, the calcium and protein from the bone are depleted. This results in abnormal bone quality or reduced bone density. As such, bones inflicted with osteoporosis can be severely fractured through cracking or collapsing with only a minor fall or injury that would not usually lead to a serious bone damage. ("MedicineNet") Causes One of the primary causes of osteoporosis is related to age. After age 30, the normal process of growth of new bone and absorption of existing bone by the body starts to reverse. Deemed as part of the aging process, bone dissolves and is absorbed at a faster rate that new bone is made, thus, bone becomes thinner. This condition is also aggravated by insufficient consumption of calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus. ("American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists") Another cause of osteoporosis specifically in women is the decrease in the production of estrogen, a hormone considered to provide protection against bone loss. The increase in bone loss is said to occur around menopause ("American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists"). In the same way, men become more prone to suffer from osteoporosis when production of testosterone declines. With this, men aged above 65 typically experience osteoporosis. Risk Factors As mentioned, the probability of developing osteoporosis is augmented as one ages due to the thinning of the bones. Note that both men and women lose around 0.4% of bone per year on the average after reaching age 30 ("American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists"). However, osteoporosis does not usually have an effect on afflicted patients until they reach 60 years old ("WebMD"). In terms of gender, women generally have relatively smaller frames and lighter bones as compared to men. As such, women are said to be almost four times more likely to contract osteoporosis that men (Anderson). The reduction in estrogen and testosterone also increases the risk of osteoporosis in both women and men, respectively. The decrease in the production of these hormones that help maintain normal levels of calcium and other minerals required for normal bone regeneration, usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. ("American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists") Other risk factors identified include smoking and alcohol use. Based on studies, smokers are observed to lose bone thickness faster than non-smokers. Meanwhile, excessive consumption of alcohol is said to cause bone growth reduction and increased risk of falling. It should be highlighted though that studies also show a correlation between moderate alcohol use and higher bone thickness. With this, most doctors prescribe limiting but not completely eliminating alcohol consumption. ("WebMD") Moreover, sedentary lifestyle or lack in weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, stair climbing and dancing among others increase the risk of bone-mass loss ("The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia"). In line with this, a diet consisting of protein and sodium-rich food is said to expedite calcium loss (Hegsted). Similarly, a diet low in calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D adversely affect bone density ("American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists"). In addition, drinking cola is said to interfere with bone absorption of calcium. As per recent studies, a link between women's low bone thickness and consuming more than three servings of cola daily is observed (Feldstein). Another risk factor is having a family-history of osteoporosis. The disorder is deemed to have a genetic component in the form of a vitamin D receptor gene. This type of gene affects calcium absorption and bone density. The different forms of this gene are found to correlate with varying levels of bone density among those who suffer from osteoporosis. ("The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia") Based on studies, persons suffering from specific medical conditions including hyperthyroidism or rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk for osteoporosis. Aside from this, taking medications such as corticosteroids for treating asthma and chronic pulmonary disease; aromatase inhibitors for treating breast cancer; thyroid replacement medication; Depo-Provera for birth control; and antacids containing aluminum may also cause bone thinning ("WebMD"). Symptoms Osteoporosis may develop silently for a long time. At the onset, patients usually do not experience major symptoms. Hence, it may go undetected for years ("MedicineNet"). However, as the disease progresses, osteoporosis patients may develop related symptoms especially if they suffer painful fracture. These symptoms include back pain, loss of height and stooped posture. A patient may also exhibit dowager's hump characterized by a curved upper back ("WebMD"). Bones that are most often affected by osteoporosis are the spine, hip, wrist and forearm (Anderson). Around 50% of cases of broken bones resulting from osteoporosis are bones in the spine. Weak vertebrae may break and collapse on top of each other due to osteoporosis. On the other hand, about 17% and 6% of Caucasian women and men, respectively, are estimated to suffer from broken hip after age 50. ("WebMD") Diagnosis To determine if patient has osteoporosis, doctors based their diagnosis on medical history and physical exam and may conduct a test to measure bone density. These entail measuring of height and comparing results with past measurements. In addition, they would examine the patient's body and determine whether there are remarkable changes in the shape of long bones and spine. ("WebMD") Treatment and Prevention Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis generally include getting adequate calcium. For adults aged 19 to 50, recommended daily calcium intake is around 1,000 mg. Those above 50 need 50% higher dosage of calcium daily. Intake of calcium may be through eating calcium-rich food such as milk and yogurt or taking calcium supplements. ("American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists") Furthermore, getting sufficient vitamin D may substantially aid in preventing and treating osteoporosis. This nutrient helps the body absorb more calcium. Having enough vitamin D coupled with calcium improves muscle strength and may even reduce an older person's risk of falling by 22%. For adults aged 19 to 50, recommended daily vitamin D intake is about 5 ug, whole those above 50 are prescribed to take 10-15 ug. To meet this requirement, one may drink at least a glass of milk a day or take vitamin D supplements. For younger people, being exposed to the sun for 10-15 minutes daily may be ample to satisfy the required vitamin D for the body. ("American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists") Another way to treat and prevent this condition is by engaging in weight-bearing exercises as previously mentioned and resistance exercise, which entails the use of weights and elastic bands. Regular exercise enhances bone mineral density and decreases the risk of hip fractures particularly in older people. ("American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists") Since excessive alcohol consumption and smoking have been identified as risk factors, limiting alcohol use and quitting smoking form part of the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. This is because these unhealthy habits are found to reduce bone density and expedite bone loss. ("WebMD") Some may also opt to take specific medications to slow down the rate of bone thinning and aid in bone-building process. Medication choices include bisphophorates (e.g.dendronate, ibandronale and risedronate), raloxifene, calcitonin and parathyroid hormone (teriparatide). ("WebMD") To treat osteoporosis specifically affecting spinal bones, patients may consider undergoing surgical treatments such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. These surgical procedures involve injection of bone cement into the crushed vertebrae using a needle. The desired effect is relief from persistent pain caused by spinal compression fractures due to osteoporosis ("WebMD") . WORKS CITED American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. "Medical guidelines for clinical practice for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Endocrine Practice 9(6). 2003. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "Clinical Management Guidelines for Obstetrician-Gynecologists". Obstetrics and Gynecology 103(1). 2004. Anderson, J.B. "Osteoporosis". In Mahan, LK and S. Escott-Stump, eds. Krause's Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy. W.B. Saunders. 2000. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia 6th ed. Columbia University Press. 2003. Feldstein, A., et al. "Bone mineral density measurement and treatment for osteoporosis in older individuals with fractures. Archives of Internal Medicine. 163(18). 2003. Hegsted, M. "Nutrition and Osteoporosis". Advances in Nutrition Research 9. 1994. MedicineNet. MedicineNet Inc. 2001. 14 June 2006 WebMD. 14 June 2006 Read More