Osteoporosis: A Silent Disease

Many people take their bone health for granted, which is a mistake because the skeleton makes up the frame for the entire body. Osteoporosis is a condition of the bone that causes the bones to become weak and break easily. Osteoporosis is called a silent disease because there are usually no noticeable symptoms until the bones are so weakened that they break easily.

According to information on the National Health Institute website, osteoporosis is a major health threat for 44 million Americans. 68 percent of the people at risk are women, but osteoporosis is a serious condition for men as well.

Osteoporosis is called a silent disease, because there are usually no symptoms until the condition is far advanced. The first indication of osteoporosis may be a break or fracture. People with osteoporosis may have no idea they have weak bones until a relatively minor bump of fall causes the bone to break.

When people have osteoporosis even a minor fall or bump can cause fragile bones to break, crack or collapse. Collapsed vertebrae in the back may first be noticed because of severe back ban or loss of height. Some people develop a hump in the back as a result of osteoporosis.

A physician can conduct tests to assess the health of the bones. A bone density test can measure the density of the bone mass and assess risk of fractures.

Bone loss can occur with age, so a doctor may recommend a bone density test as part of a physical examination to assess bone health.

Since osteoporosis is a condition without noticeable symptoms until it is advanced enough for bones to break easily, it is important to be aware of risk factors. People with lifestyle habits that may cause bone loss may wish to speak with their doctor about bone health before they have a serious condition.

Lifestyle habits and medications can increase the risk of osteoporosis. People, who smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, do not exercise, do not have adequate nutrition and who take certain medications may have a higher risk of osteoporosis.

Lifestyle habits can be changed to guard health, but some risk factors cannot be changed. Risk factors that cannot be changed are gender, age, body size, ethnicity and family history.

Women are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men because they have less bone tissue and lose bone mass faster than men. The risk increased with age, as bones become thinner and weaker with age. Body size is important because small, thin boned women have a higher risk than larger boned women. Family history plays a factor because weak bones may be partly due to heredity. People who are at higher risk should take extra care and talk to a doctor about prevention of osteoporosis.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you are concerned about a medical condition, please consult a doctor.

Resources: National Institute of Health

Related Articles

Scientists Study Bone Breakdown and Osteoporosis

Avoid Falling to Avoid Broken Bones

Prevent Osteoporosis to Avoid Broken Bones

Calcium Linked to Reduced Cancer Risk

Senior Malnutrition: Signs and Solutions