Hello everyone, and welcome to today's health symposium. Today we are discussing the topic of "Why does osteoporosis find you?" Find out why and protect your bones. "Osteoporosis is a common disease, especially in middle-aged and elderly people. It can lead to weak bones and prone to fractures, which can seriously affect quality of life. So, why does osteoporosis find us? Today, we're going to take a look at this issue from multiple angles and offer some practical advice to help you protect your bone health.
The basics of osteoporosis
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by osteopenia and deterioration of the microstructure of bone tissue, resulting in increased bone fragility and predisposition to fractures. Osteoporosis is often referred to as the "silent disease" because it often has no obvious symptoms in the early stages and is not detected until a fracture occurs.
Symptoms of osteoporosis
Early osteoporosis may have no symptoms, but as the condition progresses, the following symptoms may occur:
Bone pain, especially in the back, lower back and joints.
Height decreases due to vertebral fractures and compressions.
Hunchback, which in severe cases affects respiratory and digestive functions.
Fractures, especially of the hip, spine and wrist.
Diagnosis of osteoporosis
Bone density testing is the main method for diagnosing osteoporosis. The most commonly used is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which measures bone density in the hip and spine. In addition, the doctor will make a comprehensive diagnosis based on the patient's medical history, physical examination results, and other imaging tests.
Causes of osteoporosis
Age factor
As we age, bone renewal slows down and bone loss begins. In particular, postmenopausal women are prone to osteoporosis due to a faster rate of bone loss due to decreased estrogen levels.
Changes in hormone levels
Sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, are essential for bone health. In women, after menopause, estrogen levels decline, leading to accelerated bone loss. Similarly, in men, testosterone levels also decline as they age, affecting bone density.
Nutritional factors
Calcium and vitamin D are key nutrients for maintaining bone health. Calcium deficiency can lead to osteopenia, and vitamin D deficiency can affect calcium absorption. In addition, nutrients such as protein, vitamin K, and magnesium also have an important impact on bone health.
Lifestyle factors
Poor lifestyles such as smoking, alcoholism, and sedentary lifestyles can all increase the risk of osteoporosis. Lack of exercise can lead to a decrease in bone strength, while excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can interfere with bone metabolism.
Genetic factors
People with a family history of osteoporosis are also at higher risk. Genetic factors affect bone density, bone metabolism, and hormone levels, which can affect bone health.
Medications and diseases
Certain medications (such as glucocorticoids, anti-epileptic drugs, etc.) and diseases (such as hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) can also increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Prevention of osteoporosis
Rational feasting
Make sure your diet contains enough calcium and vitamin D. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, etc., are good sources of calcium. Dark green vegetables, soy products, and nuts also contain some amounts of calcium. Vitamin D can be obtained by spending time in the sun and eating foods rich in vitamin D, such as fish, egg yolks, and liver.
Exercise in moderation
Regular weight-bearing exercise and resistance training can increase bone density and strength. Walking, jogging, dancing, climbing stairs, etc. are all good weight-bearing exercises. Weightlifting and elastic band training, on the other hand, are resistance exercises that help strengthen bones and muscles.
Improve lifestyle habits
Quit smoking and limit alcohol to avoid sitting for long periods of time. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can accelerate bone loss. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important, as both obesity and thinness can have a negative impact on bone health.
Regular check-ups
In particular, postmenopausal women and the elderly should have regular bone density tests to detect and intervene in osteoporosis early. Your doctor may also be able to advise you on whether calcium and vitamin D supplementation is needed, depending on your individual situation.
Pharmacological prophylaxis
For high-risk people, your doctor may recommend medications to prevent osteoporosis. These drugs include bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), and calcitonin, among others.
Treatment of osteoporosis
drug therapy
Drug treatment for osteoporosis mainly includes the following categories:
Bisphosphonates: reduce bone resorption and increase bone density, commonly used drugs such as alendronate sodium, zoledronic acid, etc.
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as raloxifene, mimic some of the effects of estrogen and reduce bone loss.
Calcitonin: increases bone mineral density by inhibiting bone resorption, and is mostly used in the short-term treatment of bone pain.
Parathyroid hormone analogues, such as teriparatide, promote bone formation and are indicated for patients at high risk of fracture.
Nutritional supplementation
For people who are malnourished or have a diet that lacks calcium and vitamin D, doctors may recommend supplementation with these nutrients. Calcium and vitamin D supplements can help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
Lifestyle modifications
Improve bone health by adjusting your diet, increasing exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol. Patients should also take care to prevent falls and reduce the risk of fractures.