Osteoporosis – Only a disease of the elderly?

Bones become weak and brittle . Bones become so brittle that mundane events like falling down or even coughing can cause fractures. Osteoporosis especially increases the risk of fractures in the hips, wrist s or spine. Osteoporosis affects men and women, irrespective of their ethnic origins. Currently, over six million Germans suffer from osteoporosis. Mostly females are affected (post menopause). However, up to 25% of all cases are men. With increasing age, the risk of osteoporosis mount s due to loss of minerals. This loss makes the bones more fragile . However, we will learn below that osteoporosis is not at all restricted to older people.

There are both a primary and a secondary form of osteoporosis. The primary form does not have another disease as its cause. Why some people get osteoporosis while others of the same age don`t is not fully understood. There are genetic and other risk factors that can promote osteoporosis. 5% of all osteoporosis cases are caused by an underlying disease. Among the typical primary diseases are hyperthyroidism , hormone related diseases, stomach and intestinal diseases, bone cancer, renal insufficiency, inflammatory rheumatic diseases, eating disorder and some medical treatments. Also genetic diseases like Osteogenesis imperfecta may to lead to osteoporosis.

How about juvenile osteoporosis? Even though most osteoporosis patients are older people, some children and adolescents can suffer from juvenile osteoporosis. However, an exact number of juvenile patients is not known. Juvenile osteoporosis starts between the ages of eight and twelve years (prepuberty).

What is the cause of juvenile osteoporosis? Usually, juvenile osteoporosis is secondary to another condition (secondary osteoporosis). Sometimes there is no known reason, which is then called idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis (also known as Dent-Friedman-Syndrome). This spontaneously occur ring osteoporosis usually heals by itself after three to four years. Often juvenile osteoporosis occurs during growth spurts. Possible risk factors are lack of vitamin D, lack of calcium, or a very inactive lifestyle. Primary diseases that most often cause juvenile osteoporosis are juvenile arthritis, diabetes mellitus, Cushing-syndrome and anorexia nervosa.

Which symptoms characterize juvenile osteoporosis? The pain develops insidious in the spine , the hip and the feet – often accompanied with walking trouble and muscle weakness. Multiple fractures (especially without immediate cause) can be an indicator for juvenile osteoporosis. Radiological signs such as low bone density and collapse of the vertebra can also indicate osteoporosis. Other possible symptoms are pain in the knee and ankle, kyphosis , reduced body height or a shortened thorax.

For the diagnosis of juvenile diagnosis, differential diagnosis is most important in order to exclude other diseases with similar symptoms. The osteoporosis may cause the deformation of vertebrae (so called fish vertebrae) or interrupted growth. After puberty the osteoporosis usually disappears and only rarely leaves permanent disabilities such as kyphosis or a deformation of the ribs.

How can we diagnose osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is diagnosed by determining the bone mineral density with the help of osteodensitometry working with low-dose radiation. Additionally, the skeleton is examined with X-ray.

How can we treat osteoporosis? Since the cause of idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis is not known, there is no causal therapy. Physiotherapy, muscle building as well as taking additional calcium, vitamin D, calcitonin and fluorine (depending on the individual) are used to strengthen the body. Another big part of the treatment is diet. It is advisable to consume a lot of calcium-containing foods. Since oxalic acid and phosphates inhibit the intake of calcium, food items containing oxalic acid and phosphates should be avoided.

In the case of secondary osteoporosis, the underlying disease has to be treated.

After the disease is healed, affected adolescents should be regularly checked. While being cautious with movement and carrying heavy loads, exercise is very important. Especially “soft” sports such as swimming or dancing are recommended.

EXERCISE:

1. Juvenile osteoporosis occurs between the ages of fourteen to eighteen years (puberty). a) True b) False

2. Among the typical primary diseases for osteoporosis are … a) Eating disorders b) Genetic diseases (e.g. Osteogenesis imperfect) c) Renal insufficiency d) Stomach diseases e) Bone cancer

3. Osteoporosis is diagnosed by osteodensitometry. a) True b) False

You’ll find the answers below.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: 1. http://dict.leo.org

2. www.dict.cc

3. www.kinderaerzte-im-netz.at

4. www.stanfordchildrens.org

5. www.webster-dictionary.org

CARMEN LOBITZ Carmen Lobitz ist freie Trainerin, Lehrerin und MTA. Sie gründete 1998 in Berlin lobitz seminare, die unter anderem Englischseminare für Health Professionals anbieten.

Kontakt: mail@lobitz-seminare.de www.lobitz-seminare.de

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Lösung für Exercise:

1. B)

2. A)–E)

3. A)

Osteoporosis – Only a disease of the elderly?

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