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Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparthyroidism is a medical condition that occurs due to insufficient levels of parathyroid hormone. Hyperparathyroidism can lead to abnormal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. The blood levels of calcium dip and the levels of phosphorus rise. Hypoparathyroidism can occur due to injury to the parathyroid glands. Underdevelopment of parathyroid glands at birth, radiation therapy or other medical conditions can lead to hypoparathyroidism. The congenital absence of the parathyroid glands leads to a disease known as DiGeorge syndrome.
A patient suffering from hypoparathyroidism may notice tingling in the arms and feet and muscle spasms.
The skin and hair becomes dry and the nails become brittle. Hypoparathyroidism can bring on convulsions or cataract. There may be dental complications and painful menstruation. Children suffering from hypoparothyroidism suffer from vomiting and headaches. There may be improper development of the teeth. The patient is likely to suffer from fungal infections. Persons suffering from hypoparathyroidism may suffer from cardiac arrhythmia.
Blood tests are conducted to measure the levels of parathyroid hormone. X-rays and CT scans will reveal any bone abnormalities due to insufficient calcium. Calcium injections or Vitamin D tablets can provide relief to a person suffering from hypoparathyroidism. A diet rich in calcium and low in magnesium is suggested.
BMP blood test
BMP blood test or Basic Metabolic Panel blood test comprises a set of tests that throw light on the functioning of a person's kidneys, blood sugar, calcium, electrolyte and acid/base levels. BMP blood test comprises testing for:
BMP blood test aids in diagnosis of kidney failure, diabetic coma, hypertension, changes in heart rhythms and respiratory illness. Other tests that are used by physicians to check for renal failurerenal failure are BUN blood test and test for creatinine. If there is elevated blood calcium level, it can be confirmed with an ionized calcium test. Electrolyte imbalance can occur due to many an illness.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis threatens nearly 34 million women in the U.S. alone and many more worldwide. Literally meaning 'porous bones', osteoporosis is a medical condition that is characterized by fragile skeletal structure. Osteoporosis is commonly noticed in post-menopausal women. But actual loss of bone mass happens in the 30s. This occurs due to loss of lose an excessive amount of their protein and mineral content, particularly calcium from the bones. Over time it leads to reduced bone mass and decreased bone strength. Normal bone marrow has small holes within it, but a bone with osteoporosis will have much larger holes. Osteoporosis can be classified into two categories - primary and secondary. Primary osteoporosis is associated with bone loss, which is prevalent in older persons and post menopause women. Secondary osteoporosis results from chronic conditions that contribute significantly to accelerated bone loss.
Most often osteoporosis is caused by a combination of lifestyle, genetic and hormonal factors. Slender, small-framed women are particularly at risk. Typical symptoms of osteoporosis are severe back pain, curvature of the spine and loss of height. A woman suffering from osteoporosis suffers from joint aches and muscle aches. There is an increased tendency to fractures on account of brittle and thin bones. Osteoporosis can be heriditary. Women with very thin body frames can be at increased risk of osteoporosis on account of lesser bone mass. Prolonged use of corticosteroids can put a woman at increased risk of osteoporosis since drugs such as prednisone, cortisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone damage bone mass. Other medications that can lead to bone loss are diuretics, anti-seizure drugs and anticoagulants. Hyperthyroidism is another contributory factor to developing osteoporosis. Chronic conditions such as renal failure, malnutrition and connective tissue diseases contribute towards development of osteoporosis.
Diagnosis of osteoporosis may include a series of tests such as bone densitometry (a bone density scan) performed by your physician. There are three types of bone density scans: dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), single photon absorptiometry (SPA), and quantitative computed tomography (QCT). The most common bone density scan is the DEXA - a test that measures bone density based on how bone absorbs two sets of photons (atomic particles with no electrical charge) generated by an x-ray tube. A bone density test is recommended by physicians to post menopausal women, especially those with a higher risk factor.
It is essential to build on your bone mass during the ages of 25 - 35 so as to keep osteoporosis at bay. This can be done by maintaining a balanced diet, with plenty of calcium and following a regular exercise regimen. Weight-bearing exercises are of special importance in strengthening the bones. Running, skipping, aerobics, tennis and weight training are ideal osteoporosis exercises that can be undertaken thrice a week for at least 30 minutes. Apart from bone density, these exercises also increase the strength, co-ordination and balance, thereby reducing the risk of falls. A sedentary lifestyle can put you at increased risk of developing osteoporosis in latter years.
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