Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become brittle and fragile due to low bone mass and loss of bone tissue. It increases the risk of fractures, particularly, of the hips, spine and wrists, says Dr. B. Udaya Kumar, Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon of KIMS ICON Hospital. One in three women and one in five men are at the risk of suffering an osteoporotic fracture.
‘Silent disease’
Osteoporosis is often referred to as a ‘silent disease’ as the patient cannot feel his/her bones getting weaker.
There are often no symptoms or outward signs, and a person may not know the existence of the problem until they experience a fracture after a fall. Vertebral fractures can result in serious consequences, including loss of height, intense back pain, changes in posture and deformity. A hip fracture often requires surgery and may result in loss of independence or death.
“The density of human bones is the maximum, when people are in their 20 s. But, as they grow older, some of the bone cells dissolve (resportion), and new bone cells grow. The bone loss outpaces the growth of new bone in osteoporosis patients,” says Dr. Udaya Kumar. The non-modifiable risks include: lower estrogen levels (due to menopause, surgical removal of ovaries or missing menstrual periods) make it harder for bone to reproduce in women; while in men, a decrease in testosterone levels causes a similar effect.
The modifiable factors include: smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, anorexia and bulimia, calcium and vitamin D deficiency in diet, lack of exercise and long term use of certain drugs like glucocorticoids and some anticonvulsants. Secondary osteoporosis is caused by medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, renal failure and diabetes mellitus. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is used to measure the bone mineral density (BMD). Some drugs slow the breakdown of bone, while others promote bone formation.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Abstaining from smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, Yoga and exercises can reduce the risk.
Intake of food, rich in calcium, like: low fat dairy products and dark green leafy vegetables is essential to prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium from both food and supplements. Most of the vitamin D comes from exposure to sunlight. Hence, moderate and regular exposure to sunlight is recommended, adds Dr. Udaya Kumar.
