By Gunwant S.Dhaliwal, M.D., Astoria General Hospital, New York
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone, identified as a gradual loss of bone tissue of mass in the process of aging. It affects one in four women over age 60 and is a major cause of fractures of the spine, hip, wrist and other parts of the skeleton.
Osteoporosis develops silently over a period of many years. Gradually and without discomfort. The bones thin out until some of them break, causing pain and disability.
Factors contributing to Osteoporosis:
Why it develops is not fully understood. Some of the factors are as follows:
1 Decreasing hormone Levels
- Less calcium in the diet
- Inadequate exposure to sunlight
- Inactivity
Fair skinned white women are affected most often. Those who are thin and have small frames are more susceptible than larger, heavier people. Women who have a family history of osteoporosis, or who have had their ovaries removed at an early age, have a greater chance of developing the disease. Because of their denser bone structure and other factors, men are much less likely than women to gel Osteoporosis.
Diagnosis:
An early sign of the disorder is loss of height. This happens when weakened bones of the spine become compressed leading towards a curved spine. It usually goes unrecognized until the spine becomes noticeably curved or until a hip, wrist or other bone breaks. A minor fall can result in a broken bone. Normally there is no pain until a fracture occurs.
A number of methods are available for diagnosing osteoporosis, including x-rays and sophisticated new medical devices which can assess bone loss.
Treatment:
The goal in treating osteoporosis is to stop further bone loss. Usually Calcium and vitamin D are prescribed which slow down the rate of bone loss but they will not cause new bone to form. Many doctors prescribe the hormone estrogen for the same reason.
Fluoride may increase bone density. In high doses, this drug may have severe side effects. Many investigators are studying combinations of calcium, vitamin D, estrogen and fluoride in the hope of finding a way to stop bone loss.
People who have osteoporosis should eat foods that are high in calcium. Excess protein should be avoided, since too much of it can lead to bone loss.
Exercise helps because it stimulates formation of new bone.
Prevention:
Certain dietary and exercise habits can help prevent osteoporosis. The daily diet should include foods that are high in calcium e.g. milk, cheese, yogurt and dark green leafy vegetables, It is believed that women past40nced 1,000 0 1,500 mg. calcium daily, One cup of milk has about 300 mg. of calcium.
400 1.U. of vitamin D per day is recommended in the form of vitamin fortified milk and cereals, egg yolk, saltwater fish and liver, One cup of milk provides 100 I.U. Fifteen minutes to | hour of mid-day sunshine also will meet the daily need for this vitamin. Smoking, alcohol or beverages containing caffeine increase the body*s requirement for calcium.
Regular exercise such as walking, jogging, dancing and bicycle riding are important preventive measure.
Women in their 40’s should ask their doctor about tests to evaluate bone mass. And, at the time of menopause, they should ask whether an estrogen supplement is advisable.
This information provides general overview on osteoporosis and may not apply in each individual case. Consult your physician to determine whether this information can be applied to your personal situation and to obtain additional information.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 24, 1993
