Osteoporosis
Why in news?
- World Osteoporosis Day 2025 was observed globally on October 20 with the theme "It's Unacceptable," emphasizing the critical and preventable crisis in osteoporosis care.
- The campaign highlighted that despite over 500 million people being affected worldwide
- Osteoporosis remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially after fragility fractures, causing significant chronic pain, disability, and loss of independence.
- Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by weakened bones that become thin, porous, and less dense, making them more fragile and prone to fractures.
- It progresses silently without symptoms until a bone breaks, commonly affecting the hip, wrist, and spine.
- The condition results from an imbalance where bone resorption exceeds bone formation
- Symptoms: Often none early on; signs appear after fractures, which may cause pain, loss of height, stooped posture, or bone breaks after mild stress.
- Risk factors: Age, gender, ethnicity, family history, early menopause, certain medications, lifestyle habits.
- Diagnosis: Bone mineral density is measured by tests like DEXA scans.
- Treatment and prevention: Includes weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, medication to strengthen bones, quitting smoking, and moderating alcohol use.
- Complications: Fractures can cause long-term pain, reduced mobility, and increased mortality risk especially after hip fractures.
