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Ans : Osteoporosis means a decrease in the absolute amount of bone, resulting in brittleness of bones leading to fractures following minimal trauma.
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Q.2) Whom does it affect the most?
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Ans: It usually affects
after 40 years of age, especially females at or after menopause.
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Q.3) How does Osteoporosis progress? |
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Ans: It progresses due to
an imbalance between the natural breakdown and replacement of bone tissue leading to a gradual decrease in the density and strength of the bone.
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Q.4) What are the causes of Osteoporosis? |
Ans: The causes are
- Decline in sex hormone production with age.
- Menopause.
- Long-term treatment with oral Corticosteroids.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Hyperthyroidism.
- Chronic kidney failure.
- Cushing's syndrome.
- Anticonvulsant drug therapy.
- Prolonged immobilization.
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Q.5)What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis? |
Ans: The
symptoms are- Gradual loss of height.
- Chronic backache.
- Rounding of the back. [Thoracic kyphosis].
- Fracture after a minor injury.
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Q.6)what are the related signs? |
Ans:
The related signs are- Stress fractures.
- Crush vertebral fractures.
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Q.7)What investigations are done? |
| Ans: The tests
conducted are
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| Blood tests
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- Serum alkaline phosphates.
- Calcium and hydroxyproline ratio.
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| X-rays : especially of
the limbs. |
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Q.8) What are the treatment measures? |
Ans: Drugs generally used are
- Conjugated estrogens.
- Calcium and vitamin D
- Proper management of fractures, if present
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Q.9) What is the prognosis? |
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Ans: The prognosis is
good with follow-up of proper medical treatment.
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Q.10) How can Osteoporosis be prevented? |
Ans: It can be prevented by
- Eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D throughout
one's life.
- Calcium supplementation during pregnancy, breast-feeding and after menopause.
- Regular exposure to moderate amounts of sunlight. People exposed to little sunlight may need to take vitamin D supplements.
- Walking and other forms of regular, moderate, weight-bearing exercise.
- No smoking.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Regular bone density measurement: especially in presence of risk factors.
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Q.11) What are the Associated factors / risk factors?
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| Ans: Risk factors for
Osteoporosis |
| Endogenous
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- Thin physique.
- Family history.
- Early menopause.
- Advanced age.
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| Exogenous |
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- Low calcium intake.
- Reduced physical activity.
- Cigarette smoking.
- Alcohol abuse.
- Surgical menopause.
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