What are the different effects of osteoporosis?

osteoporosis, literally means "porous bones", is a disease that causes bone density to reduce, resulting in thin and fragile bones. This disease occurs when calcium, phosphorus and other minerals are lost from the bones. Although osteoporosis is more common in patients with advanced age, there are other risk factors that predist the patient to illness, including being a woman, being a Caucasian or Asian origin, a thin building and a family history. Since the symptoms of the condition may occur in different ways, the effects of osteoporosis range from simple quality of life to an increased risk of mortality. These patients can only be aware of the disease when they undergo routine screening osteoporosis or when they suffer from osteoporotic fracture during everyday activities. These fractures most often affect bones carrying weights such as hips and spine. The wrist fractures also often result from falls. Patients then have an increased risk of post-surgical complications relatedWith immobility in recovery, which may include deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, pneumonia and muscle waste. The hip surgery ultimately leads to a higher occurrence of disability and even death, especially in the older population.

The effects of osteoporosis resulting from the spine fractures can be equally destructive. These fractures may occur without any injury or fall. They are simply the result of weakening in the back bones called vertebrae. When the vertebrae weaken, compress and cause compression fractures.

Often very painful, fracture compression can cause spine deformity known as kyphosis. This complication can take several centimeters from the patient's height and cause the "Hunchback" appearance. In addition, kyphosis can cause the internal organs to push out, resulting in difficulty breathing.

Fortunately, there are several treatment options to help manage and in someh cases to prevent many effects of osteoporosis. These include hormonal therapies, bisphosphonates, tomoxifen, Evista®, as well as several developing drugs and treatment. Patients can also make lifestyle changes to help prevent the onset or reduce the severity of osteoporosis. These include enough calcium and vitamin D with healthy diet and replenishment, regular exercise, stopping smoking and adding soy to the diet.