Running head: Osteoporosis Name: University: Lecturer: Date: Osteoporosis Outline of contents Contents Page Abstract3 Introduction4 Normal anatomy/physiology of the skeletal system4 Symptoms of osteoporosis5 Causes of osteoporosis5 Prevention of osteoporosis6 Diagnosis of osteoporosis6 Treatment7 References 8 Abstract Osteoporosis is characterized by loss of normal bone density. Under normal circumstances the bone structure is formed when there is adequate protein, collagen and calcium in the diet. This disease is caused by deficiencies in vitamin D, excessive drinking and smoking and lack of physical exercise. Osteoporosis can be prevented by taking measures that make the bones strong such as eating food rich in vitamin D and calcium. It can be diagnosed by use of bone mineral density tests and scanning of fractures. Treatment can be achieved by administration of bisphonates drugs and hormone-like drugs.
Introduction Osteoporosis is a physiological disorder that affects the bones. Its characterized by loss of normal bone density. The bones become fragile and can be compressed like a sponge. They also weaken to such an extent that they can easily break. Normal bone structure is formed when there is adequate protein, collagen and calcium in the diet. These substances strengthen the bones and those bones that lack them are susceptible to fracture. Fractures commonly happen mainly in the hip bones and wrists.
Anybody can get this disorder, although certain factors make it more likely to occur like old age, small and thin bodies, a history of osteoporosis in the family, and having low bone mass. (NIAMS, 2006).
The Essay on Osteoporosis Bone Calcium Fractures
Twenty years ago osteoporosis was a word used mainly by researchers and physicians. Over the past few years, there has been an explosion of information about this condition that can cause severe pain and crippling. No cure is known yet, but ways to lessen your potential for osteoporosis have been identified. Today, one in three Americans are 50 or older. The baby boom generation will begin to ...
Normal anatomy/physiology of the skeletal system The bone is normally formed on a normal base called collagen through mineral deposits especially calcium. The laying down of the bones is done by cells called osteoblasts. As the bones experience stress/weight, new bones occur along its lines. Other cells called osteoclasts assist in re-absorption of the bone by digesting already formed bones. Re-absorption is an activity that occurs within the bones throughout life, so that old bones are replaced with new ones.
When the re-absorption is slowed less bone exists therefore resulting to weakening of bone structure which then leads to osteoporosis (Thomson, 2006).
Symptoms of Osteoporosis According to Health Cares (2005), osteoporosis is often referred to as a silent disease because symptoms dont show. People with this disease rarely notice it until they break a bone. There is a tendency of people to confuse osteoporosis with arthritis although the causes of arthritis are different from osteoporosis. Fractures are the main symptoms of the disease; and they occur during otherwise normal incidences such as bending, lifting, jumping or falling from a standing position. Fractures can cause back pains. The vertebrae may collapse causing a hunchback posture especially in women. Causes of Osteoporosis The major causes of this disease are deficiencies in vitamin D, excessive smoking, low calcium intake, low consumption of protein and lack of physical exercise.
It is difficult to notice this disease until a fracture occurs. Fractures mostly occur in the spine and in the hip. Those caused by accidents and during normal activities are referred to as minimal trauma fracture. The reason they dont heal easily is because of low quality of the bone. Other causes of osteoporosis are related to sex hormones. Low levels of estrogen levels experienced during menstrual periods and menopause can cause osteoporosis in women, for example.
In men, a similar condition can result from low testosterone levels. Some types of medicine have also been reported to cause the disease NIAMS, (2006) Prevention The disease can be prevented by taking necessary measures to keep the bones strong. This can be achieved by eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. These foods make the bones strong. Sources of calcium and vitamin D include low fat milk, yogurt and cheese, orange juice, cereals, and bread. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight or from vitamin D pills. Doing a lot of exercises like walking, hiking, jogging, lifting weights, dancing etc also helps. It is also advisable to avoid bad habits like excessive drinking and smoking.
The Essay on Calcium Homeostasis
Calcium plays a very significant role in our bodies. Approximately 99 percent of the calcium in our bodies is stored in the teeth and bones. Calcium generates about two percent of our total body weight. Calcium is crucial in bone formation, keeping strong bones and teeth and is known for helping to prevent osteoporosis. Although calcium is mostly thought about in the bones and teeth, it also plays ...
People who drink alcohol usually feed poorly which puts them at risk of lacking enough calcium and vitamin D for the bodys use (Luis et.al, ND) Osteoporosis Diagnosis Diagnosis is complicated because the skeletons must be considered in relation to malnutrition. It becomes hard to establish the pathological condition caused by genetic mutation. NIAMS, (2006) says a bone mineral density test called DXA is used to check the bone strength and osteoporosis. Bupa, (2009) says diagnosis uses a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanner when one has a bone fracture (Luis et.al, ND).
Treatment of osteoporosis According to Kurt Kennel (2007), bisphonates are the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis. Hormones such as estrogen and other hormone-like medications are used for preventing and treatment such as raloxine. Treatment could also include eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise, and taking medicine to reduce weakening of the bones to increase bone thickness.
Calcium and vitamin D should be taken as a supplement to the medicine. After initial diagnosis the doctor should recommend a good lifestyle and changes in the diet (Web MD, 2008) References Bupa,(2008).
Osteoporosis. Retrieved on 5th June 2009 from http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/Osteoporos is.html Health cares (2005).
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis? Retrieved on 5th June 2009 from http://bone-muscle.health-cares.net/osteoporosis-s ymptoms.php Kurt, Kennel (2007) Osteoporosis treatment puts brakes on bone loss. Retrieved on 5th June 2009 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoporosis-trea tment/WO00127 Luis Rios, Mario Vasquez, Domenec Campillo, Mary Lewis and Jason Wiersema (N.D).
The Essay on Osteoporosis Bone Women Risk
Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes the bones to become so thin that they can break during normal daily activities such as lifting a heavy object or rolling over in bed. Whether someone will develop osteoporosis or loss of bone, known as, depends on the thickness of the bones early in life, as well as health, diet, and physical activity later in life. The exact cause of ...
Infantile Osteopathological conditions in one case of forced inanition. Retrieved on 5th June 2009 from: http://www.famsi.org/reports/03101/87rios/87rios.p df NIAMS (2006) Osteoporosis Retrieved on 5th may 2006 from http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteopor osis/osteoporosis_ff.aspWeb MD 2008 Thomson, Gale (2006).
Osteoporosis. Retrieved on 8th June 2009 from http://www.bookrags.com/research/osteoporosis-wap/ Web MD, (2008) Osteoporosis – Treatment Overview. Retrieved on 5th June 2009 from: http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/tc/osteoporosis- treatment-overview.
