Understanding Osteoporosis: Risk Factors and Impact

1152 Words3 Pages

Judith Arista
MED 2047
Osteoporosis
Instructor Brittany Hallett
03/12/2015
VNPT029 Osteoporosis is a bone disease of that causes a decrease in bone mass. In osteoporosis the bones become weak and fragile. Since the bone mass is decreased, the bones have more of chance of fractures. The bone is continuously breaking down by cells which is known as osteoclasts and rebuilding by other cells known as osteoblasts. Osteoporosis happens once the reabsorption causes the bones to reach a fracture threshold. Any fall or lifting action that would not ordinarily bruise or strain the common person would break one or additional bones in somebody with severe osteoporosis. “Women of fair, freckled complexion with blonde or reddish hair, and women from northwest European background have a higher incidence of osteoporosis than the general population” (Rosdahl, 2012, p.1248). Osteoporosis most commonly happens in postmenopausal women. Some risk factors include age, menstrual status, smoking, sedentary lifestyle caffeine use, and alcohol consumption.
Osteoporosis is usually known as a silent disease as meaning you can’t feel your bones getting …show more content…

The patient should perform weight bearing exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, hiking, and aerobics. The recommended treatment for osteoporosis in women is estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). This treatment helps stop bone loss and it increases bone density. Medications classified as bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Fosamax), tiludonate, risedronate (Actonel), etidnonate (Didronel), and pamidronate may be given to patients with osteoporosis. These medications line the surface of bones and help prevent the bones from breaking down. They also slow down bone loss and may increase mineral density. Calcitonin is a type of hormone which is made by the thyroid gland, may also be given to reduce bone resorption and may slow bone

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