General Information
Osteoporosis is the thinning and weakening of the bones, resulting in brittle bones that fracture easily. All people suffer some degree of the condition, although women are affected by it more than men and at an earlier age. The condition progresses with age and is common in people over 60 years old, particularly in women after menopause, when the ovaries stop producing estrogen Hip, wrist and spinal bones are the most susceptible. Many people do not discover that they have osteoporosis until it is well established and at this stage, the condition is irreversible. Lack of dietary calcium and exercise smoking, caffeine, excessive alcohoł, nutritional deficiency, and intestinal and kidney dysfunction are some of the factors causing this bone disorder.
Signs and Symptoms
- Osteoporosis is sometimes called the silent thief because it quietly eats away at skeletal strength over time. For some women, the first sign of osteoporosis is a broken bone - the result of a tall, minor bump, or simply getting up or bending over Other, less traumatic signs include.
- Backache
- Loss of height - A loss of 2 or more inches may mean you're experiencing spinal crush fractures brought on by osteoporosis. it's not unusual tor you to miss these fractures because the pain may not be severe or last for long periods.
- Dowager's hump-a protrusion in the upper back. The thinner front sides of the vertebrae collapse, pushing the head forward, shortening the chest area, and reducing lung capacity.
- Tooth loss.
Advice to the Customers
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight and an active lifestyle.
- Eat food rich in calcium, e.g., milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines, shellfish, and green leafy vegetables.
- Take calcium supplements
- Quit smoking, cut down on caffeine, salt, or alcohol intake.
- Advise the patient to undergo a bone examination such as a densitometry test to determine the extent of the disorder.
Prescription Advice
- Instruct the patient on the medication and how to use it properly, i.e name of the medication, frequency of dosage, etc.
- In cases of exacerbation despite treatment, instruct the patient to consult a physician.
- Discuss advice to the customers thoroughly for more information on the prevention and management of Osteoporosis.