What goes wrong in osteoporosis?
In osteoporosis the balance between bone formation and bone resorption is disrupted. Bone is constantly being broken down and rebuilt. In healthy individuals this is balanced. In osteoporosis bone resorption outpaces bone formation. This leads to brittle, porous bones and weaker bone structure. This happens due to the age factor, low female hormone that is estrogen, poor nutrition, inactivity and certain medications.
What are the key contributing factors?
Age is the most important contributing factor. With age there is natural decline in bone forming activity. The bone loss is aggravated by decline in oestrogen and testosterone levels. Low calcium and vitamin D affect bone metabolism. Sedentary life style and lack of weight bearing activity weakens bones. Certain medications like steroids, anti epilepsy drugs and certain cancer drugs affect bone metabolism. Chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease or hyperthyroidism may contribute to osteoporosis.
Why osteoporosis is called a silent disease?
Most of the times there are no symptoms. The bone becomes brittle and fragile often without symptoms until a fracture occurs. Hence it is called a silent disease. Individuals may not know that they have an osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. A very minor fall can cause a major fracture.
What are the problems faced in osteoporosis?
The bones become porous, brittle and fragile making them prone for fractures. This often happens in the wrist, hip or the spine. This happens even with minor injury.
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
A DEXA scan is a gold standard. A T score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis. Early screening for women at 65 years and above and for men above 70 in men. Blood tests to assess calcium, Vitamin D, thyroid function tests and in some Parathormone levels may be necessary.
Author: Dr Jay Deshmukh
Dr Jay Deshmukh is Chief Physician and Director, Sunflower Hospital, Nagpur Honorary Physician to Honorable Governor of Maharashtra and PondicherryCentral. Dr Jay Deshmukh is an M.B.B.S., M.C.P.S., F.C.P.S., M.N.A.M.S., MD From Internal Medicine – Bombay and New Delhi.
