Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis means "porous bones," and is a disease that affects the bones by reducing their mineral density while altering protein in the bone tissue. It is most common in women after menopause and can also develop in men. Although 55% of people with the degenerative disease are over the age of 50, symptoms of osteoporosis can occur at much younger ages.http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/diseasefacts.htm#medications

Some risk factors of osteoporosis include low bone mass, old age, genetics, being female, Caucasian, Asian, or taking certain medications for an extended period of time.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/osteoporosis.htmlOsteoporosis can eventually cause broken bones, fractured hips, blood clots, pneumonia, and even death.http://www.medicinenet.com/osteoporosis/page2.htm#tocb

During the early stages of osteoporosis a patient will usually have no symptoms or pain.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/osteoporosis.htmlAfter 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.http://www.medicinenet.com/osteoporosis/page2.htm#tocb

1. Adequate amounts of Calcium
2. Vitamin D in your diet
3. Exercise
4. Don't smoke
5. Avoid antacids containing aluminum which can inhibit calcium absorption
6. Osteoporosis drugshttp://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/diseasefacts.htm#medications

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have osteoporosis, please consult your doctor.