Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis literally means "porous bones". Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the bones by reducing bone mineral density, and altering protein in the bones. It is common in women after menopause and can also develop in elderly men.
Fast Facts
- Affects 28 million Americans
- 80% are female
- Affects 1 in 3 women over 50
- Affects 1 in 12 men over 50
- Often no symptoms or pain in early stages
- Symptoms: back pain, loss of height or stooped posture, bone fracturing, chronic pain
- Common complications: Bone fractures in spine, hips or wrist
- Some treatments include: Hormone replacement therapy, Evista (Raloxifene), Forteo (Teriparatide), Fosamax (Alendronate) and Boniva (Ibandronate)
Symptoms
During the early stages of osteoporosis you usually have no symptoms or pain. After it progresses, osteoporosis causes the bones to become brittle and easy to fracture. You may also experience back pain and a loss of height over a period of time. Stooped posture is also common in someone with osteoporosis.
Prevention
- Adequate amounts of Calcium
- Vitamin D in your diet
- Exercise
- Don't smoke
- Avoid antacids containing aluminum which can inhibit calcium absorption
- Osteoporosis drugs
Quote
- Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, or 55 percent of the people 50 years of age and older. In the U.S. today, 10 million individuals are estimated to already have the disease and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. While osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person's disease, it can strike at any age. — National Osteoporosis Foundation
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have osteoporosis, please consult your doctor.
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