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Questions and Answers
What helps trigger the production of vitamin D in the skin?
What helps trigger the production of vitamin D in the skin?
What is a potential risk associated with long-term use of hormone replacement therapy?
What is a potential risk associated with long-term use of hormone replacement therapy?
What is a key aspect of lifestyle measures for osteoporosis prevention?
What is a key aspect of lifestyle measures for osteoporosis prevention?
What is the main function of bisphosphonates in treating osteoporosis?
What is the main function of bisphosphonates in treating osteoporosis?
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What is a common side effect of bisphosphonates?
What is a common side effect of bisphosphonates?
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Why should bisphosphonate tablets be taken with plenty of water?
Why should bisphosphonate tablets be taken with plenty of water?
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What is a rare side effect of bisphosphonates?
What is a rare side effect of bisphosphonates?
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What is essential for bone health in addition to bisphosphonates?
What is essential for bone health in addition to bisphosphonates?
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What is the literal meaning of the word osteoporosis?
What is the literal meaning of the word osteoporosis?
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What can cause a vertebra affected by osteoporosis to fracture?
What can cause a vertebra affected by osteoporosis to fracture?
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What is the typical age when bone formation starts to slow down?
What is the typical age when bone formation starts to slow down?
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What is DEXA an abbreviation for?
What is DEXA an abbreviation for?
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What is the term for 'thinning' of the bones?
What is the term for 'thinning' of the bones?
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Who is more at risk of developing osteoporosis?
Who is more at risk of developing osteoporosis?
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What is often the first sign of osteoporosis?
What is often the first sign of osteoporosis?
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What is a risk factor for osteoporosis?
What is a risk factor for osteoporosis?
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What is the gold standard test for osteoporosis?
What is the gold standard test for osteoporosis?
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What is a side effect of taking steroid medicines for a long time?
What is a side effect of taking steroid medicines for a long time?
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Why may treatment for osteoporosis be started without a DEXAscan for women 75 or older?
Why may treatment for osteoporosis be started without a DEXAscan for women 75 or older?
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What can increase the risk of osteoporosis?
What can increase the risk of osteoporosis?
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Which of the following foods is rich in vitamin D?
Which of the following foods is rich in vitamin D?
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What can increase the risk of osteoporosis in people with certain medical conditions?
What can increase the risk of osteoporosis in people with certain medical conditions?
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What can help prevent osteoporosis?
What can help prevent osteoporosis?
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What is a possible consequence of a severe spinal fracture due to osteoporosis?
What is a possible consequence of a severe spinal fracture due to osteoporosis?
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What is osteoporosis?
What is osteoporosis?
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What is a common indication that you have osteoporosis?
What is a common indication that you have osteoporosis?
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What is a fragility fracture?
What is a fragility fracture?
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What is a consequence of having a hip fracture in older people?
What is a consequence of having a hip fracture in older people?
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What is NOT a symptom of osteoporosis?
What is NOT a symptom of osteoporosis?
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Why should you tell your doctor if you have a new severe back pain and you know you have osteoporosis?
Why should you tell your doctor if you have a new severe back pain and you know you have osteoporosis?
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What can occur if you develop one or more fractured vertebrae?
What can occur if you develop one or more fractured vertebrae?
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What is NOT a condition that can cause osteoporosis?
What is NOT a condition that can cause osteoporosis?
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Study Notes
What is Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bone strength, resulting in "porous bones"
- Bone is composed of collagen fibers and minerals, and is a living tissue that contains cells that make and resorb bone
- As people age, bone formation slows down, and bone resorption increases, leading to a loss of bone material and density
Who is at Risk of Osteoporosis
- All men and women are at risk of osteoporosis, especially over the age of 60
- Women are more at risk than men, particularly those who:
- Have had menopause before the age of 45
- Have already had a bone fracture after a minor fall or bump
- Have a strong family history of osteoporosis
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 19 or less
- Have a low estrogen level for long periods of time
- Take steroid medicine for three months or more
- Other risk factors include:
- Smoking
- High alcohol intake
- Lack of calcium and/or vitamin D
- Poor mobility
- Certain medical conditions, such as overactive thyroid, coeliac disease, and type 1 diabetes
Osteoporosis Symptoms
- Osteoporosis develops slowly over several years, often without symptoms
- After a certain amount of bone loss, symptoms may occur, including:
- Bone fracture after a minor injury, such as a fall
- Loss of height, persistent back pain, and a bent forward (stooping) posture
- Fragility fractures, which can occur in the hip, wrist, and spine
- Having weaker bones does not in itself give symptoms, unless there is a fracture
How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed
- Osteoporosis is often diagnosed after a fracture occurs
- DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is used to measure bone density and confirm osteoporosis
- Other tests, such as digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) and ultrasound scans, may also be used
Prevention of Osteoporosis
- Exercise can help prevent osteoporosis
- Eating foods rich in calcium (such as milk, yogurt, and dried figs) and vitamin D (such as salmon and tuna) can help prevent osteoporosis
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake can also help
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also be used to prevent osteoporosis in some cases
Medication for Osteoporosis
- Bisphosphonates are the most commonly used medicines to treat osteoporosis
- They work by restoring lost bone and preventing further bone loss
- Other medicines, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), may also be used
- Lifestyle measures, such as physical examination, reviewing medication, and reviewing home circumstances, are also important for preventing falls and managing osteoporosis.
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Description
Learn about osteoporosis, a condition that affects bone strength, and how it develops as we age. Discover how bone forms and resorbs, and what happens as we get older.
