Final answer:
Osteoporosis is a bone disorder characterized by increased bone resorption leading to brittle bones and higher fracture risks. Risk factors are divided into non-modifiable, such as age and genetics, and modifiable, like lifestyle choices. Diagnosis is typically through bone density scans, and fractures are a serious health risk associated with the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteoporosis: Identifying Risk Factors
Osteoporosis is a disorder where bones become weak and brittle due to a faster rate of bone resorption than bone formation. This imbalance is often associated with aging but can also be caused by an imbalance in the activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, leading to an increased risk of fractures.
Risk factors for osteoporosis can be divided into non-modifiable and modifiable categories. Non-modifiable risk factors include older age, being female, European or Asian ancestry, a family history of the disorder, short stature, and small bone structure. These factors are intrinsic and cannot be altered. However, modifiable risk factors, which can be influenced by lifestyle choices, consist of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, vitamin D deficiency, poor nutrition, and high consumption of soft drinks.
Osteoporosis is most commonly diagnosed by measuring bone density using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, and notable symptoms include an increase in bone fractures. Fractures resulting from osteoporosis can lead to serious health complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia, which can be fatal. Preventive measures include a nutritious diet, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol.