Osteoporosis is often thought of as a disease which frail elderly women develop, however the damage from osteoporosis begins much earlier in life. It is a disease characterized by low bone mass and loss of bone tissue that may lead to weak and fragile bones.
It increases the risk for fractured bones, particularly in the hip, spine, and wrist.
What causes thinning bones?
There are often no symptoms of osteoporosis before a victim breaks a bone that is why it is a very dangerous disease. Osteoporosis occurs when an imbalance occurs between new bone formation and old bone resorption. The body may fail to form enough new bone, or too much old bone may be reabsorbed, or both. If calcium intake is not sufficient or if the body does not absorb enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissue may suffer.
Women are at a greater risk
Eighty percent of those with osteoporosis are women. They are at a greater risk than men, especially women who are thin and those of advanced age. Women who are postmenopausal, including those who have had early or surgically induced menopause, or abnormal or absence of menstrual periods are more prone to the disease.
Recent disappointing finding
Recent research released at the British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC) in Manchester shows even patients found to be at risk are not getting help. General Practitioners are failing to treat one in two patients who have been diagnosed with thinning bones. This is mainly due to the reluctance of patients to consume the prescribed drug.Sixty percent of the women patients do not want to consume the widely prevalent preventive drug alendronate because of crippling stomach side effects.
What can be done to prevent thinning ones?
Peak bone density is reached at approximately age 25 years hence, it is important to build strong bones by that age, so that the bones will remain strong later in life. Adequate calcium intake is an essential part of building strong bones. Pharmacists have a vital job to play in helping patients understand the importance of why they are prescribed these preventative medicines, and what the consequences can be if they don’t take them.
Via:Dailymail
