KARACHI, July 10: With increase in the number of aged population, particularly in the developing world, a constant surge in the incidence of osteoporosis has been registered.

According to estimates, more women could be seen dying of osteoporosis, a condition in which bones turn fragile and hence easily fracture, than of cervical, breast, uterine and ovarian cancers combined.

In osteoporosis, the breaking down process of bone overtakes the building up procedure in human body, causing the bones to become thin. Peak bone mass or the period when human bones are the strongest is reached at around 25 years of age and what follows is a period of net bone loss.

From the beginning of menopause, women undergo an accelerated period of bone loss and the rate may even be as rapid as 3 to 5 per cent a year, experts say.

Although the brittle bone condition is equally experienced by the aged male population, but post-menopausal women are found to be at a greater risk, especially if they have experienced early menopause.

It is mainly due to the fact that oestrogen protects the bones and as these levels fall at menopause, the danger of osteoporosis increases. Scanning is suggested for such women to decide whether to use hormone replacement therapy or to take other measures as anti-resorptive therapy.

Women with diabetes are also cited to be especially susceptible to osteoporosis as are those receiving thyroid replacements. Among others at high risk are individuals taking medications as systemic steroids, heparin, anti-convulsants and antacids containing aluminium. Women athletes are noticed to be exceedingly vulnerable to the condition.

Also those who have been diagnosed with anorexia nervous or other eating disorders, besides groups inflicted with Turner’s Syndrome, are comparatively more likely to suffer from the problem of bone fragility.

People with family history of osteoporosis, smoking, and those bed-ridden or inactive have low intake of calcium, low exposure to sun or low testosterone levels and, therefore, are vulnerable to osteoporosis.

Anyone experiencing unexplained back pain, loss of height, recent fractures or increasing curvature of upper spine, is particularly advised to have a scan.

Orthopaedic experts often warn the aged population that they may be unaware of fractures of vertebra, which commonly occurs in the mid-thoracic (chest) region.

Fractures are typically sudden and unexpected and there is often minimal or no trauma associated with the event. The pain of fracture could be severe and is not necessarily localised at the site of the fracture.

People can delay the process by starting health habits as regular walking which stimulates the building up of bone material. Early weight bearing exercise also helps, besides calcium intake of 1500mg a day and unprotected exposure to sun for at least once in 15 days.

It is always advisable for aged population to consult doctors or relevant facility for bone densitometry scanning.—APP