Osteoporosis is a disease that makes the bone brittle; it results in over
8.9 million fractures annually across the globe. Largely due to hormonal
imbalances, women are at significantly higher risk, and women in Jordan are no
exception.
اضافة اعلان
One study found
that osteoporosis has a prevalence rate of 30 percent among Jordanian women,
regardless of the menopausal status, and 43.3 percent in postmenopausal
Jordanian women. Nevertheless, education and understanding of how this disease
manifests itself enables women to better work to prevent osteoporosis from
developing later in life.
A separate 2014
study focused on assessing knowledge about osteoporosis and preventive measures
among the Jordanian population. It determined that knowledge about the disease
was modest, and more than 70 percent believed there should be more awareness
and education about the topic.
What is osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, or “porous bones”, is a disease as a result of which the
bones in the body lose their density, and thus become more fragile. It is
considered a silent disease because for a long time it does not manifest in any
unique way. Often the disease goes undiagnosed until a simple fall or bump that
is normally harmless results in a dramatic fracture.
Contrary to popular
belief, bone is living tissue and constantly undergoes replacement and repair.
Due to the stress placed on bones, particularly those of the hip and spine, microfractures
are common. In order to keep up with the demand, the body needs to be supplied
with the proper minerals that make bones. The two most important minerals are
calcium and phosphorus. Unfortunately, there are many diseases and conditions
that result in inadequate intake of these minerals or resorption of them in the
bone.
Risk factors of
osteoporosis
There are many risk factors that may contribute to developing
osteoporosis, many of which overlap with other diseases. The most contributing
factor is age. With age, it becomes more and more difficult for the body to
continuously break down and rebuild bone. Typically, around the age of 30, bone
turnover (breakdown of bone) tends to occur at a higher rate then bone
formation. In time, this will result in less bone density and great fragility,
ultimately making the individual more prone to fractures.
Menopause is
another primary risk factor for developing osteoporosis. Menopause typically
occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55. Due to the hormonal changes that
occur during menopause, women undergo bone turnover at a faster rate than men
of the same age. It is not until the age of 65-70, that men and women have a
relatively equal rate of bone turnover.
Other risk factors
include being of the Caucasian or Asian, having a family history of
osteoporosis, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, smoking, and low body
weight.
Causes of
osteoporosis
There are many causes of osteoporosis. This is largely due to the fact
that osteoporosis is a secondary disease, meaning that there is another
underlying condition causing it.
Causes of
osteoporosis can be divided into multiple categories, the three most common
being drug-induced, endocrine disorders (hormonal), and
gastrointestinal/nutritional disorders. Each category can then be further
divided into causes by means of decreased bone formation, or by means of high
turnover rate. In drug-induced osteoporosis, the most common cause is prolonged
glucocorticoid use. The most common glucocorticoids include prednisone,
prednisolone, and methylprednisolone. Glucocorticoids cause osteoporosis by
several means including increased bone resorption, decreased intestinal calcium
absorption, and, most predominantly, suppressed bone formation, all of which
can be seen within the first few months of taking this medication. For those
who must take glucocorticoids, this is considered an acceptable risk, but they
should be weary of falls.
Other medications
that may cause osteoporosis include certain immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporine,
older generations of anti-seizure medications, such as phenobarbital and
phenytoin, and heparin.
There are also many
endocrine diseases that can cause osteoporosis. They include Cushing’s
syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes mellitus. Gastrointestinal diseases and
nutritional disorders may also increase the risk of osteoporosis. Eating
disorders that result in poor dietary intake, vitamin D deficiency, and
malabsorption syndromes tend to be the most common causes.
This is by no
means a comprehensive list of causes for osteoporosis. Furthermore, these
conditions only increase the risk of developing the disease so greater care
must be taken.
Osteoporosis
prevention
Osteoporosis is a multifactorial disease with many causes. Despite the
best efforts, there is no guarantee that individuals can fully prevent getting
it. Nevertheless, men, and especially women, should take care of themselves in
order to reduce the risk.
Osteoporosis is
not a disease that only affects the elderly. Anyone, at any age, can develop
it. Diet plays an important role in this, and appropriate nutrition is
important. In men and women between the ages of 18 and 50, 1,000mg of calcium
are needed per day in order to keep bones healthy. Women after the age of 50
and men after the age of 70 may need to increase their intake to 1,200mg.
Excellent sources
of calcium include low-fat diary products, soy products, and calcium-fortified
grains. Alternatively, calcium supplements may be used, but with caution, as
high doses of calcium have been linked to heart problems and kidney stones.
Vitamin D is
another important nutrient needed to ensure bone health. Vitamin D improves the
body’s ability to absorb calcium and can be obtained from two sources: sun
exposure and diet. Typically, sun exposure is plenty for the average person,
but for those more homebound, diet becomes vitally important. Sources of
vitamin D in diet may include egg yolks, fatty fish, and fortified milk or
grains. The optimal dose of vitamin D is still not known, but generally adults
should start at 600-800 international units (IU) through foods or supplements.
Those with vitamin D deficiency may need to start at a higher dose.
Exercise is also
important in preventing osteoporosis. As opposed to other diseases, like rheumatoid
arthritis (an autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting the joints), in order
to prevent osteoporosis, weight-bearing and strength exercises are important.
Although activities such as bicycling and swimming are great for cardiovascular
health, strengthening bones requires higher impact. Exercises such as walking,
jogging, running, stair climbing, skipping rope, and even impact-sports such as
tennis, all help improve bone strength while slowing down bone loss.
There are also
lifestyle changes that can be made to reduce the risk of developing
osteoporosis and experiencing fractures. Smoking increases bone turnover and
may increase the likelihood of fractures. Excessive alcohol consumption
(defined as more than two drinks per day), may decrease the rate of bone
formation and the disorienting effects may increase the risk of falls.
Those who are more
prone to falls, particularly the elderly, should avoid slippery surfaces and
wear appropriate footwear both indoors and outdoors, keep the floors
uncluttered to avoid tripping hazards, and use hand rails whenever available,
especially in the shower.
Read more Lifestyle
.jpg)
.jpg)
