In patients who have COPD, the primary focus of the physician is, understandably, lung function. But, as COPD progresses and a patient's condition deteriorates, osteoporosis is also seen as a common finding. When osteoporosis gets worse and bone loss increases, patients are at higher risk for fractures, especially of the hip and vertebrae. Fractures can lead to an increase in pain, a worsening of respiratory function, decreased mobility and even death. So, what can a COPD patient do to help prevent osteoporosis from occurring, or more importantly, osteoporosis-associated fractures?
Prevention of Osteoporosis
Prevention of osteoporosis-associated fractures in patients who have COPD should begin with screening for the disease. In fact, all patients who are on long-term glucocorticoid treatment should have bone density testing, especially before starting treatment. Other preventative recommendations include:
- 400 to 800 IU of Vitamin D per day
- 1,000 to 1,500 mg. of calcium per day
- Regular, weight-bearing exercise
If you have COPD, it is important for you to be aware of the relationship between osteoporosis and COPD. With awareness brings understanding. Read more from About.com's Orthopedic Guide Site:
What You Need to Know About Osteoporosis
If you are a smoker, you increase your risk for COPD and osteoporosis. Want some help to quit:
10 Tips to Help you Quit Smoking
Have you been screened for osteoporosis?
MY SISTER-IN-LAW HAS JUST PAST AWAY – HER PRIMARY CONDITION WAS OSTEOPOROSIS. ABOUT
15-17 YEARS AGO IT STARTED WITH TWO FALLS,
WITHIN 2 YEARS, BREAKING BOTH OF HER WRISTS.
AT THE TIME THERE WAS NO DIAGNOSIS OF OSTEOPOROSIS. BUT AS TIME WENT ON OF COURSES
IT WAS EVENTUALLY DISCOVERED, ABOUT, WELL PROBABLY ABOUT TEN YEARS AGO. SHE HAD NUMEROUS
FALLS AFTER THIS. BROKEN ANKLE, SMASHED KNEE,
BROKEN VERTEBREA, BROKEN COLLAR BONE AND FINALLY, JUST 6 MONTHS AGO SHE FELL AND BROKE
HER PELVIS. JUST 4 YEARS AGO, SHE WAS HAVING
TROUBLE BREATHING, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT
SHE HAD COPD. SHE HAD BEEN ON DRUGS FOR HER
OSTEO, FROM ABOUT THE TIME THE OSTEO WAS DISCOVERED. IN THIS CASE, IT SEEMED THE COPD
CAME AFTER THE OSTEOPOROSIS? IS THERE AN
ASSOCIATION WITH HAVING OSTEOPOROSIS AND than
AQUIRING COPD? SHE NEVER REALLY RECOVERED
AFTER HER LAST FALL, BUT IT WAS THE COPD, THAT
FINALLY SHE SUCOMNED TO.
I am so sorry for your loss and thank you for commenting. Did your sister-in-law smoke? Smoking is the #1 risk factor for COPD and is also a risk factor for osteoporosis as are other factors mentioned in the post above. Osteoporosis, however, is not a risk factor for COPD. It could be that she had COPD for some time, and did not know it. Osteoporosis usually goes undetected until people start sustaining fractures. I would be interested to know the smoking status of your loved one. Why don’t we take the conversation to the COPD forum? Here is the link so we can continue this conversation:
http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?folderId=1&listMode=13&nav=messages&webtag=ab-copd
Hope to see you there!