Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by a progressive and silent reduction in bone mass (Illustrative Image Infobae)
In February 2023, the Peruvian Ministry of Health (Minsa) reported that 30% of the patients treated each year in the Immunoreumatology service of the Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital suffer from osteoporosis, a condition that manifests itself through recurrent fractures in wrists, knees, hips and spineespecially in people over 50 years of age.
This disease is characterized by a progressive and silent reduction in bone mass. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), osteoporosis is defined by a decrease in bone density (OD) to a value less than 2.5, which increases bone fragilitymaking them more likely to fracture.
Osteoporosis is known as a silent disease because, in most cases, no symptoms until a bone fracture occurs or the collapse of one or more vertebrae of the spine. Symptoms associated with a fractured vertebra include severe back pain, loss of height, or a hunched or hunched posture.
Osteoporosis increases the fragility of bones (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Every October 20th the World Osteoporosis Daya date that highlights the importance of taking care of bone health. Given the high prevalence of this disease in the country, it is an opportunity for Peruvians to learn more about osteoporosis and measures to prevent it.
Although osteoporosis is commonly associated with older adults, Women are also one of the most affected groups. In Peru, for every 4 women who suffer from osteoporosis, there is 1 man with this disease. This higher incidence in women is related to the decrease in estrogen after menopause, which accelerates bone resorption (bone destruction) compared to the formation of new bone tissue.
Regarding the prevention of osteoporosis, this should begin in childhood, because, by reaching adulthood with greater bone mass, the risk of developing weak and brittle bones in old age is reduced.
Adequate consumption of vitamin D3 is a preventive measure against osteoporosis (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Among the tips to prevent osteoporosis, the following 5 stand out:
- Consume plenty of dairy products, fruits and vegetables: These foods rich in calcium help strengthen bones.
- Reduce meat consumption and avoid table salt: Too much animal protein can leach calcium from the bones and salt has a negative impact on bone calcium balance.
- Practice regular physical activity: It serves to strengthen both bones and muscles.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco consumption: Alcohol can affect the production of new bone and in the case of smokers their bones become brittle.
- Reduce intake of sugary drinks: Sugar is related to the excretion of calcium in the urine.
Foods rich in calcium promote the strengthening of bones (Clikisalud)
Within the category of osteoporosis, three main and most important types are recognized:
- Osteoporosis postmenopáusica: It commonly affects women over 45 years of age. The decrease in estrogen caused by menopause reduces calcium absorption and decreases parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.
- Osteoporosis senil: It occurs in older people and is characterized by the loss of bone mass related to aging.
- Osteoporosis corticoidea: It arises as a result of prolonged use of certain medications, especially those containing glucocorticoids.
It must be taken into account that, although anyone can develop osteoporosis, the risk increases if you have one or more risk factors:
- Sex: Osteoporosis is more common in women.
- Age: The risk increases with age, being more common in people over 50 years of age.
- Body size: It is more common in thin people with fine bones.
- Family history: The risk increases if one of the parents had osteoporosis or suffered a hip fracture.
