Disease
Osteoporosis is a serious metabolic disease affecting bones. There is rarefaction and weakness of the bones. It affects women more, usually after menopause due to the fall in female hormone (oestrogen) levels. Osteoporosis can lead to fractures. The disease is at times discovered after a fracture.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
One of the symptoms of a vertebral fracture may be severe backache. There may also be a reduction in height of the patient. Among many conditions that may lead to osteoporosis are rheumatoid arthritis, alcoholism, other hormonal problems, genetic disorders, cancers, heparin treatment etc.
Tests for Osteoporosis
Lab tests and imaging, including x-rays, reveal demineralization of the bones and help identify the cause.
Treatment of Osteoporosis
The cause is treated. Hormones are useful in treating osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. The patient should stay active. Regular exercise, like walking, helps. Make sure the diet has sufficient protein, calcium and vitamin D. Fat-removed milk and milk products are good. Extra oral or injected calcium is advisable. Extra vitamin D may also be required.
For hormone treatment the post-menopausal patient has to be evaluated carefully and the treatment properly monitored by the doctor, as hormones can cause serious problems.
Newer drugs, like alendronate, help to increase bone density and thus reduce the risk of fractures. A drug to actively rebuild weakened bones is in the final stages of trials. |
