Symptoms
In the early stages, osteoporosis typically has no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
Back pain, which can be severe if there are fractured or collapsed vertebrae
Loss of height over time
A stooped posture
Bones that break more easily than expected
Causes
Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn't keep up with the removal of old bone. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Age: Bone density naturally decreases with age.
Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, especially after menopause due to decreased estrogen levels.
Hormone levels: Low estrogen in women and low testosterone in men.
Diet: Low calcium and vitamin D intake.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, lupus, multiple myeloma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids, certain anti-seizure medications, and proton pump inhibitors.
Lifestyle factors: Sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.
Family history: Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis.
Body size: Being small-framed.
Medicine Used
Several types of medications are used to treat osteoporosis. These include:
Bisphosphonates: Alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia), ibandronate (Boniva), and zoledronic acid (Reclast). These medications slow bone loss.
Monoclonal antibody: Denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva). Administered as an injection, this medication slows bone loss.
Hormone-related therapy: Raloxifene (Evista) mimics estrogen's beneficial effects on bone density in postmenopausal women. Teriparatide (Forteo) and abaloparatide (Tymlos) are parathyroid hormone analogs that stimulate new bone growth. Romosozumab (Evenity) is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity of sclerostin, a protein that inhibits bone formation.
Is Communicable
Osteoporosis is not a communicable disease. It cannot be spread from person to person through contact, air, or any other means.
Precautions
To help prevent osteoporosis or slow its progression, consider the following precautions:
Get enough calcium and vitamin D: Through diet and/or supplements.
Exercise regularly: Focus on weight-bearing exercises (walking, jogging, dancing) and strength training.
Avoid smoking: Smoking contributes to weaker bones.
Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can interfere with bone formation.
Prevent falls: Remove hazards in your home, wear sensible shoes, and consider using assistive devices if needed.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being underweight can increase your risk of bone loss.
Talk to your doctor: Discuss your risk factors and consider getting a bone density test.
How long does an outbreak last?
Osteoporosis is not an infectious disease and does not occur in outbreaks. It's a chronic condition that develops over time.
How is it diagnosed?
Osteoporosis is typically diagnosed using a bone density test, called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. This scan measures the density of bones in your spine, hip, or wrist. The results are reported as a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult. A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis.
Timeline of Symptoms
The progression of osteoporosis is often silent.
Early Stages: No noticeable symptoms. Bone density is gradually decreasing.
Intermediate Stages: Bones are becoming weaker, but you may still not experience any symptoms. Fractures may occur with minor injuries.
Advanced Stages: Symptoms such as back pain, loss of height, stooped posture, and increased frequency of fractures become more apparent.
Important Considerations
Osteoporosis is a silent disease, meaning it often goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs.
Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing fractures and improving quality of life.
Lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, can play a significant role in preventing and managing osteoporosis.
Regular bone density screenings are recommended for women over 65 and men over 70, as well as for individuals with risk factors.
Osteoporosis treatment is long-term, often requiring medication and lifestyle changes.