CME on ‘osteoporosis
awareness’ held
Vinay Kumar
Chandigarh
As many as 45 doctors and para medical
staff participated in a CME on ‘osteoporosis awareness’ at Ojas Super
Speciality Hospital, Panchkula on Friday. Addressing CME, Dr Gagandeep Gupta
an ortho- consultant said that osteoporosis is a disease
characterized by low bone density and the deterioration of bone tissue. As the
bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fractures is greatly
increased, he said. The loss of bone occurs ‘silently’ and ‘progressively’.
Often there are no symptoms until the first fracture occurs, he remarked. Dr
Gupta further said that initially, osteoporosis does not manifest any symptoms,
however on a later stage, the bones become fragile & begin to break, he
maintained. “Symptoms occur late in the disease which includes bone pain and
tenderness, broken bones (fractures), loss of height as a result of weakened
spines. Spinal deformities become evident like stooped posture, an outward
curve at the top of the spine as a result of developing a vertebral collapse on
the back.” Talking about risk factors, Dr Gagandeep said that women have less bone
tissue and loose bone more rapidly than men because of the hormonal changes
involved in menopause. “The older you are, the greater your risk of
osteoporosis. Your bones become less dense and weaker as you age. The small,
thin-boned women are at greater risk with Asian women are at highest risk.” Susceptibility
to fracture may be, in part, hereditary. People whose parents have a history of
fractures also seem to have reduced bone mass and may be at risk for fractures,
he pointed out. The risk factors that one can change includes abnormal absence
of menstrual periods (amenorrhea), low estrogen level (menopause), low
testosterone level in men, diet low in calcium and vitamin D and an inactive
lifestyle or extended bed rest, he asserted. Talking about osteoporosis
detection, Dr
Gagan said
that a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test is the best way to determine your bone
health. BMD tests can identify osteoporosis, determine your risk for fractures,
and measure your response to osteoporosis treatment. A number of effective
medications are available for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Do0ctor
will recommend medications as per your specific needs in conjunction with
lifestyle changes, concluded Dr Gagandeep.
No comments:
Post a Comment