Osteoporosis in Children: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Osteoporosis, or porous bones disease, is a condition where the bones become weak, brittle and more prone to fracture due to reduced bone density. It is quite a common disorder in adults and elderly people. The condition is also present in some children and teenagers. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, about one in 20 girls between the age of 12 and 19 has some level of osteoporosis. Regardless of age, men or women, all individuals are susceptible to this disease. Though it’t rare in children and teenagers, osteoporosis can significantly impact their growth as well as increase their risk of suffering from a broken bone later on in life. Read on to know more about Osteoporosis in Children – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterized by reduced bone density and an increased risk of bone fracture. While the exact cause of osteoporosis is yet to be discovered, several factors are believed to be responsible for the disease. These include - - Decreased Bone Formation: This is the most common reason behind the condition. As children grow into adults, their bones become denser. But, in osteoporosis patients, bone formation is significantly reduced, thereby making the bones weaker. - Reduced Bone Resorption: This is the process of breaking down of old bone tissues to form new bone tissues. In osteoporosis, the old bone tissues are not removed properly by the body and remain inside the bone. - Increased Bone Breakdown: The body sends signals to the various organs to break down the old tissues and form new ones. The same happens while breaking down the old bone tissues. The breakdown of old bone tissues is triggered by a hormone called Parathyroid Hormone. - Reduced Bone Mineral Content: This is the content of minerals present inside the bone tissues. In osteoporosis patients, there is a significant reduction in the mineral content inside the bones. - Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps in increasing the bone density. Osteoporosis patients do not get enough vitamin D in their bodies. - Excessive Amount of Calcium in the Blood: During osteoporosis, calcium gets deposited inside the bones, thereby increasing the risk of forming kidney stones and developing other disorders. - Excessive Amount of Iron in the Blood: In some cases, the body produces more iron than it should, thereby increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis causes

As mentioned above, there are a number of factors that lead to osteoporosis. The most common factors are listed below. - Age: The risk of developing osteoporosis increases as you grow older. Around 50% of adults between the age of 50 and 75 suffer from the condition. - Gender: Women, in general, are more vulnerable to bone-related diseases than men. This is primarily because they go through menopause, a transition period during which the body produces lesser estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that is essential for bone health. - Family History: If one or more of your parents suffer from osteoporosis, there is a higher chance that you might suffer from the condition too. Other family members might also be at risk of developing osteoporosis. - Diet: Eating a healthy and balanced diet is essential for maintaining bone health. Eating foods rich in calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K can help prevent osteoporosis. - Excessive Exercise: While exercise can help you maintain a healthy body, you should avoid excessive exercise. Excessive exercise can place a significant amount of stress on your bones. This can significantly increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis in children

The symptoms of osteoporosis can vary from one person to another. Some common symptoms of osteoporosis in children include - - Back Pain: Back pain is a common symptom of osteoporosis in children. This is primarily because the spinal cord is not able to bear the pressure of the body. - Joint Pain: Joint pain is another symptom of osteoporosis in children. Joint pain can occur in the wrists, knees, ankles, and elbows. - Bone Fractures: If your child has broken a bone for the first time, it is possible that he or she suffers from osteoporosis. Bone fractures are common in osteoporosis patients. - Decreased Bone Density: A machine can be used to determine the amount of calcium present inside your child’s bones. A machine might be used to determine the amount of calcium present inside your child’s bones. A low amount of calcium in the bones can indicate that your child has osteoporosis.

Treatments for Children with Osteoporosis

The most important step in the treatment of children with osteoporosis is to ensure that they grow normally. In this case, the focus should be on the normal growth of the child. Osteoporosis can reduce the expected height of a child by as much as 4 inches. Treatment for osteoporosis in children can include a number of steps. The following measures should be taken to treat osteoporosis in children - - Diet: The diet of children with osteoporosis should be rich in calcium and Vitamin D. Certain foods that are rich in calcium include broccoli, milk, and eggs. Vitamin D can be obtained from fish, sun exposure, and certain supplements. - Exercises: Exercises can help strengthen the muscles and bones of a child suffering from osteoporosis. Exercises like swimming, dancing, and yoga can be helpful in this regard. - Medications: Several medications are prescribed to treat osteoporosis in children. Bisphosphonates, Parathyroid Hormone, and Estrogen are some of the common medications used to treat osteoporosis in children.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that occurs in adults and seniors. The condition is also present in some children and teenagers. The risk of developing osteoporosis is higher in girls than boys. The symptoms and treatment of osteoporosis in children can vary. The most important thing you can do to prevent osteoporosis is to eat a healthy and balanced diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.