As the country observed World Osteoporosis Day on Saturday, doctors suggested early diagnosis, regular exercise and healthy diet are what people should follow to avoid occurrence of the bone disease in later stages of life.
Osteoporosis is a common problem and occurs due to decrease in bone density over time.
It is a common disorder among elderly people. It literally means “porous bones”.
Recent research shows pollution accelerates the process of bone deterioration, say doctors.
“Air pollution has been linked to increase in worsening of bone diseases and their symptoms. Elderly people who are more frequently exposed to air pollutants from vehicular and industrial emissions experience faster bone loss and thus, higher risk of bone fractures. So, bad air is bad for your bones,” said Yash Gulati, senior consultant, orthopaedics, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.
Risk of fractures
Abhishek Kumar, executive consultant, Jaypee Hospital, Noida explained that bones become weaker, increasing the risk of fractures, especially in the hip, spinal vertebrae and wrist.
As the bones become weaker, there is a higher risk of a fracture following a fall or even a fairly minor knock.
Osteoporosis fracture is a huge problem in the ever-increasing elderly population, say doctors.
No early symptoms
“There are no such symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. But once your bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you may have signs and symptoms that include — back pain, caused by a fractured, loss of height over time and a bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected,” said Dr. Kumar.
He further explained how the disease manifests in men and women.
Till the age of 50-55 men are more at risk of developing these diseases. But menopause in women worsens the equation.
“Estrogen, the female hormone, lends a protective cover to the bone cartilage which reduces its wear and tear. After menopause, as the amount of estrogen hormone in the female body lessens, women become more at risk of arthritis and osteoporosis,” he said.
