Osteoporosis refers to low mineral density of bone as a result of a change in the microstructure of bone which makes patients susceptible to fractures from a low impact (Porter & Varacallo, 2020). Fractures as a result of osteoporosis cause a decrease in the quality of life and an increase in morbidity, mortality as well as disability. More than 50% of white women who are postmenopausal have a fracture related to osteoporosis (Porter & Varacallo, 2020). More than 200 million individuals have osteoporosis with the incidence increasing with age and tends to affect people with old age.
Osteoporosis can be classified as primary or secondary. The osteoporotic process is as a result of an imbalance between bone r esorption and bone remodeling which leads to a decrease in skeletal mass (Porter & Varacallo, 2020). In many people, the peak of bone mass takes place in their third decade, and after this period, the resorption of bone becomes more than its formation. Osteoporosis can result from the failure of the bone to achieve the normal peak mass and also from accelerated loss of bone.
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Primary osteoporosis has a relation with the process of aging and a decrease in sex hormones. The microarchitecture of bones deteriorates causing bone mineral density loss and an increase in the risk of getting a fracture (Porter & Varacallo, 2020). Secondary osteoporosis is caused by diseases or the treatment of certain diseases. Men acquire more secondary osteoporosis than women. Drugs that have been associated with developing secondary osteoporosis include anti-epileptics, glucocorticoids, proton pump inhibitors, chemotherapy agents, and thiazolidines (Porter & Varacallo, 2020). Diseases that can lead to osteoporosis include anorexia, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, malabsorption syndromes, overtreatment of hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome, and chronic renal failure. Rapid loss of bone mass can also be caused by amenorrhea lasting more than one year, non-estrogen hormonal therapy use, excessive exercise, and low body weight.
There are various risk factors for osteoporosis. These include a low body mass index, increasing age, smoking, being of white or Asian, family history of osteoporosis, early menopause, decreased physical activity, a history of fracture or trauma after forty years of age (Porter & Varacallo, 2020). Patients who have conditions that make them very immobile such as spinal cord injuries can have a faster rate of bone mineral density deterioration within a short period of time after their injury. The risk of developing fractures from osteoporosis is high in advanced age, prior history of a fracture, female gender, corticosteroid use, smokers, alcohol intake, and a low body mass index.
There are various ways that the onset of osteoporosis can be prevented. These include getting enough calcium and vitamin D and consuming a well-balanced diet, engaging in regular physical exercises, eating fruits and vegetables which are good for bone, and avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake (National Osteoporosis Foundation, 2020). Exercises should include weight-bearing as well as muscle strengthening exercises that are vital for building and maintaining the density of bone.
References
Porter, J., & Varacallo, M. (2020). Osteoporosis . Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved 21 August 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441901/ .
Prevention - National Osteoporosis Foundation . National Osteoporosis Foundation. (2020). Retrieved 21 August 2020, from https://www.nof.org/preventing-fractures/prevention/#:~:text=Get%20enough%20calcium%20and%20vitamin,2%2D3%20drinks%20per%20day .
