Osteoporosis

Introduction

The term Osteoporosis denotes “porous bone.” It is a bone disorder that causes bone weakness that puts one at great risk of uncertain bone fractures. Osteoporosis is known as bone mass and strength loss. This health disorder frequently progresses without causing any discomfort or signs, and it isn’t disclosed until the weakening of the bones results in severe bone fractures. 

Osteoporosis Definition, Causes, Systems and Types 

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones in the human body. Its name is derived from the Latin term “porous bones.”

A healthy bone has few gaps, similar to a honeycomb. However, Osteoporosis is a condition in which these gaps expand within these bones, making the bone lose its strength and thickness. This, in turn, makes the exterior of the bone more vulnerable and thinner.

Overview

Osteoporosis makes bones weak and fragile — so weak that a fall or even gentle uneasiness, for example, twisting around or just coughing, can cause a crack. Osteoporosis-related breaks usually happen in the hip, wrist, or spine region.

Osteoporosis can occur in individuals of all ages, yet it’s more common among older people, particularly women. Over 53 million people in the United States either have Osteoporosis or are in great danger of having it.

People who have Osteoporosis are at high danger of fractures. The bone breaks can be caused by doing routine exercises like standing or walking. The most common impacted bones are the ribs, hips, and the bones in the wrists and spine. 

Exercises, medications, a healthy eating routine, and weight-bearing activity can prevent bone loss or help strengthen the weak bones.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

The early phases of Osteoporosis don’t show any indications or cautioning signs. 

Some of the symptoms that indicate that a person may have Osteoporosis are as follows:

• Receding gums
• Debilitated gripping strength
• Fragile nails

Persons without any of these symptoms but with a family background of people who have Osteoporosis are also at equal risk and must speak to a doctor for preventive treatment.

Causes of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis occurs when too much bone mass is lost and changes occur in the structure of bone tissue. Certain risk factors may lead to the development of osteoporosis.

Age factor:

As you age, bone loss happens more quickly and new bone growth is slower. Over time, your bones can weaken and your risk for osteoporosis increases.

 Body reaches at their highest bone mass by the age of 30 and after 24-25 years of age, this cycle of bone formation slows down   

Dietary Factors:

Other than this, there are some dietary factors too that result in developing Osteoporosis in later age. It includes:

• Low intake of calcium: People having low intake of calcium are likely to develop Osteoporosis quickly as bone density starts decreasing at a quick pace
• Selective Eating habits: People who are very choosy and restrict themselves o a limited food items or theta are underweight and witness a higher number of Osteoporosis cases in both men and women
• Gastrointestinal Surgery: Surgeries that are done to reduce weight or any other Gastrointestinal disorders may further lead to Osteoporosis

Complications Caused by Osteoporosis 

Bone cracks, especially in the spine or hip, are the most genuine complication of Osteoporosis. Moreover, falls can easily cause hip fractures if conditions of Osteoporosis are already present. This can result in the inability to move or even severe injury or fatality if the fracture is major.

Sometimes, spinal breaks can occur regardless of whether you have fallen. This is because the bones that make up your spine can become very weak due to specific reasons. It can result in back pain, loss of height, and a slouched forward posture.

Examples and Types of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that large numbers of people experience sooner or later in their lives. As indicated by recent research from the International Osteoporosis Foundation, worldwide, 1 of every three women beyond 50 and 1 in every 5 men encounters osteoporotic cracks in the course of their life. 

Here are some examples of Osteoporosis:

• Primary Osteoporosis

Primary Osteoporosis is the most reported case. However, many elements add to its severity, for example, age, nourishment, and level of activities. Gender is another element, as essential Osteoporosis is more predominant in ladies than men.

As bones arrive at their pinnacle thickness around age 30, there is a continuous decay. This happens auxiliary to hormone levels diminishing, principally testosterone (which helps in bone development) and estrogen.

•  Secondary Osteoporosis

Secondary Osteoporosis is similar to primary Osteoporosis, the only difference is that secondary Osteoporosis happens in response to other diseases that influence hormone levels inside the body, for example, thyroid. While primary Osteoporosis might be tended by a continuous change in activity levels and diet, secondary Osteoporosis is frequently treated by hormone substitution treatment and other more drastic actions.

• Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a condition resulting from a hereditary change, affecting around 6-7 out of every 100,000 individuals. It has eight known types ranging from gentle to serious conditions and primarily affects bone wellbeing, making conditions manifest similar to Osteoporosis.

The condition will generally exist with different symptoms, for example, respiratory issues, height absconds, and an unusually small rib cage. Depending on the seriousness of the condition, bones can frequently break even with very little applied pressure. Additionally, the related respiratory issues might diminish your life span with all of the other comorbidities present in severe cases.

• Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis

This pediatric condition has no known reason and generally develops just before adolescence. Fundamentally, it is weak and permeable bones with no other related symptoms and can usually be resolved without clinical treatment with time.

If diagnosed with this condition, it is prescribed to have kids monitor their physical activity and adhere to their doctor’s rules to manage this condition.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones in the human body. Its name is derived from the Latin word “porous bones.” A healthy bone has gaps or spaces, similar to a honeycomb. Osteoporosis expands the size of the spaces within these bones, making the bone lose strength and thickness. Also, the exterior of the bone becomes more vulnerable and thinner.