Osteoporosis

Question 1

Causes of Osteoporosis

Answer 1

• Ageing
• Lack of calcium
• Family history
• Smoking
• Illness/diseases
• Medications used to treat breast cancer, arthritis, asthma, Crohn’s disease and Addison’s disease
• Lack of vitamin D

Question 2

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Answer 2

• No specific pain or symptoms.
• Increase the risk of serious or debilitating fractures caused by minor knocks to limbs
• a loss of height as you age caused by compression in the spine

Question 3

Effect osteoporosis has on bones/joints

Answer 3

• Occurs when bones lose minerals (Calcium) more quickly than the body can replace them
• Causes a loss of bone thickness/density
• The bones most likely to be affected: the vertebrae, pelvis, wrist and upper arm, although any bone can be affected.

Question 4

Treatment for Osteoporosis

Answer 4

• Change of lifestyle habits (Quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake)
• Range of medicines available to treat osteoporosis, including, injections and sachets/granules

Question 5

Side effects of treatment

Answer 5

• Medicines can increase bone density having a very positive effect on reducing fracture rates. For example medication can increase bone density in the hip and in the spine.
• Rash and itchy, dry and scaly skin common, mostly from injections
• May lower the calcium levels in your blood
• Cause problems in immune system