Essay on Osteoporosis

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Osteoporosis is a disorder of the skeleton that weakens the bones in a person making them easy to break. The bones become very delicate. If osteoporosis is not prevented or if left untreated, it progresses with no pain until the bone breaks. These broken bones commonly known as fractures happen characteristically in the wrist, hip and backbone.  When the fracture occurs on the hip, it needs instantaneous hospitalization and even a major surgery. This is because it is likely to mess up the patient’s independent walking ability and may cause extended or permanent disability that may even lead to death. When the fracture is on the spine, the consequences are equally grave because they include rigorous back pain, loss of height and malformation. This is a state that is characterized by the loss of the standard compactness of the bone bringing forth an anomalous permeable bone that is spongy due to its compressibility (Fordham, 123).

Osteoporosis is more often considered a condition that only affects the feeble old women. Even though women are four times more probable than men to develop the disease, men also experience osteoporosis. The damage caused by osteoporosis tends to start at a much earlier stage in life. This is due to the fact that peak bone density is attained at around the age of 25. Therefore, it is very vital to build tough bones by the time one reaches that age so as to make certain of the bone’s strength later on in life. Taking sufficient amounts of calcium is a prerequisite in strong bones building (Meunier, 82).

Some patients may not be aware of their Osteoporosis until much later when they experience a painful fracture. This is because the Osteoporosis state is generally known for being present without any symptoms up to a period of decades. This is due to the fact that Osteoporosis does not cause symptoms with the exception of bone fractures. That is why it is projected that about 10 million people in the United States have Osteoporosis and most of them are unaware of having it. 18 million more have low bone accumulation putting them at a very high possibility of getting Osteoporosis (Woolf, 12).

Osteoporosis occurs as a result of a discrepancy between new bone formation and old bone reabsorbing. A situation where the body fails to form adequate new bones or so much of the old bones may be reabsorbed. The condition can be a combination of both issues. It can also be caused by a state where the calcium ingestion is inadequate or the body fails to absorb sufficient calcium from the diet, it may lead to suffering of bone tissues and bone production. Calcium is very fundamental in not only bone formation but also for apt functioning of the heart and other vital organs of the body. When it is not enough in the body, the bones tend to get weaker that result in frail and weak bones that are easily broken. A patient can sustain a splintered bone for quite some time before he/she is conscious of the disease affecting him. The loss of bone occurs after a extended period of years and by the time the bone breaks, the diseases is most likely to have reached its complex stages and has done severe damages by now (Horner, 26).

It has been scientifically established that scarcity of certain hormones that include estrogen in women and androgen in men is the chief root of Osteoporosis. Menopause is often accompanied by little estrogen levels and production thus increases women’s likelihood for Osteoporosis the more reason why women mainly those of 60 years and older are commonly diagnosed with Osteoporosis. Poor intakes of vitamin D, deficient weight bearing exercises and some other age associated changes in endocrine functions are also some of the factors that cause Osteoporosis. Taking too much of corticosteroids, thyroid troubles, sluggishness that makes the muscles not be in habitual use, hereditary disorder and using certain drug prescriptions that lessen calcium absorption are other recommended causes by research (Lane, 22).

Any person can get Osteoporosis, but there are people who are at much more risk than others in getting the disease. For starters, women are at a higher risk in getting it than men. Slender women or the women with a small body structure are at a greater risk than well built women. Whites and Asian women more especially those who have relatives with Osteoporosis are also at a much higher risk in comparison to their black counterparts. Women’s susceptibility to Osteoporosis includes those who are postmenopausal, those with irregular or do not have menstrual periods. Women aside, everyone including men with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, profound alcohol intake, dormant way of life and use of anticonvulsant medications are major risk factors.

Though Osteoporosis have no apparent symptoms in the early stages, it may cause monotonous pains in the muscles and bones particularly in the lower back and neck in the later stage. At a much later stage, abrupt sharp pains may come that are worsened by actions that put load on the area. This pain may remain for more than three months. every now and then if it is the spine that is affected, then the patient can end up having a deformed posture.

Treatment of Osteoporosis is done using a number of medications depending on gender. They include:

1. Bisphosphonates

These are the first procession drugs given to women with Osteoporosis. Due to their poor assimilation rates, these drugs should be taken on a bare tummy and no foods should be taken for 30minutes after intake.

1. Teriparatide

It is used in cases where Bisphosphonates has been unsuccessful. It is effectual in that it acts as parathyroid hormone and stimulates osteoblasts as an outcome escalating their activity. It is mostly suggested for patients who have by now developed a fracture.

1. Strontium ranelate

It is efficient in avoidance of vertebral and hip fracture. It is not appropriate for patients at threat of thrombosis. It should not be taken with food or preparation containing calcium because calcium competes with strontium during uptake.

1. Hormone replacement

It is a good for Osteoporosis healing but is not recommended unless at hand are other indications for its use (Orwoll, 64).

Several studies have shown that working-out and a lot of other spirited exercises raise bone multicellular units in postmenopausal women. These exercises include jumping and treadmill walking. When one is past menopause and experiences regular pains in the back and neck, it is wise to confer with your doctor for further check ups and evaluations. When you are on treatment with estrogen substitution therapy, regular mammograms, pelvic exams and pap smears are recommended so as to monitor the probable side effects of the prescription.

Prevention is better than cure and that’s a fact. Osteoporosis can be prevented and that is through building tough bones during childhood all through adolescence. This is done by eating a well balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.  Adopting a healthy way of life with no smoking and avoiding too much alcohol drinking is also recommended. Weight bearing exercises is good every now and then (Meunier, 84).