Osteoporosis
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding osteoporosis.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis—also called bone thinning or the ‘silent disease’—is a chronic condition, is a chronic (long-term) condition that weakens the bones, making them fragile and less dense, and thus more prone to fractures. It is a disease that develops slowly over several years and is often diagnosed only when a sudden fracture or fall occurs.
What are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is known as the silent disease because it often has no symptoms until a bone or vertebral fracture occurs.
- In a person with osteoporosis, the bones become extremely fragile, meaning fractures can occur easily, for example:
- A minor fall, such as falling from a standing height, usually does not lead to fractures in healthy bones.
Simple actions like bending, lifting objects, or even coughing.
What are the Causes of Osteoporosis?
- Several factors and reasons may increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, such as:
- Gender, with women being more prone to osteoporosis than men.
- Early menopause (before age 45).
- Family history of osteoporosis.
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- Certain diseases, such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic liver and kidney diseases.
- Disorders affecting the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, like Crohn’s disease.
- Hormonal disorders such as:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Adrenal gland disorders, such as Cushing’s syndrome.
- Low levels of estrogen in women after menopause.
- Low levels of testosterone.
- Pituitary gland disorders.
- Hyperparathyroidism.BMI
- Low body weight, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 19 or less.
- Lack of physical activity.
- Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia.
- Smoking.
- Alcohol consumption.
Use of certain medications.
How is it diagnosed?
- The doctor takes a medical history and conducts a clinicalDXAexamination. Additional procedures might be required as needed, such as:
Bone density measurement, which is a type of X-ray used to assess how strong or weak the bones are by measuring X-ray absorption (DXA).
What are the Treatments for Osteoporosis?
- There is no cure for osteoporosis, but there are many strategies and treatments to help manage its symptoms and prevent deterioration, aiming to strengthen the bones and make them less prone to fractures, such as:
- Healthy nutrition:
- Foods containing calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Lifestyle changes:
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid consuming alcohol.
- Visit the doctor for regular check-ups.
- Exercise:
- Physical activities and exercises that help improve and increase balance.
Medications:
- What are the Prevention Methods for Osteoporosis?
- A healthy and varied diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Eat calcium-rich foods.
- Vitamin D supplements. Ask your doctor for the appropriate amount for you.
- Quit smoking.
- Stop consuming alcohol.
- Regular exercise.
- Bone-strengthening exercises, such as brisk walking and strength training, can help strengthen bones.
Maintain a healthy weight.
What are the Complications of Osteoporosis?
Bones become fragile and more prone to fracture, even from the simplest injuries or falls.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you believe you are at risk of osteoporosis or have any factors or causes that increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Foods Contain Vitamin D?
- Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines.
- Fortified juices and cereals.
Egg yolks.
- What Foods Contain Calcium?
- Dairy products and cheeses.
Green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and kale.
Do I Need to Get an Osteoporosis Test?
- Your doctor may suggest it if:
- You are 65 years old or older.
