sarnsrun/medquad huggingface dataset:
Topic: Osteoporosis
Question: What is (are) Osteoporosis ?
Answer: A Bone Disease Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens the bones to the point that they become fragile and break easily. Women and men with osteoporosis most often break bones in the hip, spine, and wrist, but any bone can be affected. You can't "catch" osteoporosis or give it to someone else. In the United States, more than 53 million people either already have osteoporosis or are at high risk due to low bone mass, placing them at risk for more serious bone loss and fractures. Although osteoporosis can strike at any age, it is most common among older people, especially older women. How Bone Loss Occurs Bone is living tissue. Throughout our lives, the body breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone. But as people age, more bone is broken down than is replaced. The inside of a bone normally looks like a honeycomb, but when a person has osteoporosis, the spaces inside this honeycomb become larger, reflecting the loss of bone density and strength. (The word "osteoporosis" means "porous bone.") The outside of long bones -- called the cortex -- also thins, further weakening the bone. Sometime around the age of 30, bone mass stops increasing, and the goal for bone health is to keep as much bone as possible for as long as you can. In most women, the rate of bone loss increases for several years after menopause, then slows down again, but continues. In men, the bone loss occurs more slowly. But by age 65 or 70, most men and women are losing bone at the same rate. Weak Bones Can Lead to Fractures Osteoporosis is often called "silent" because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People may not know that they have osteoporosis until a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes a bone to break. This can result in a trip to the hospital, surgery, and possibly a long-term disabling condition. Broken bones in your spine are painful and very slow to heal. People with weak bones in their spine gradually lose height and their posture becomes hunched over. Over time a bent spine can make it hard to walk or even sit up. Broken hips are a very serious problem as we age. They greatly increase the risk of death, especially during the year after they break. People who break a hip might not recover for months or even years. Because they often cannot care for themselves, they are more likely to have to live in a nursing home. Prevention and Treatment The good news is that osteoporosis can often be prevented and treated. Healthy lifestyle choices such as proper diet, exercise, and treatment medications can help prevent further bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth
Topic: Osteoporosis
Question: What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis ?
Answer: Fractures -- A Possible Warning Sign Osteoporosis does not have any symptoms until a fracture occurs. Women and men with osteoporosis most often break bones in the hip, spine, and wrist. But any fracture in an older person could be a warning sign that the bone is weaker than optimal. Some people may be unaware that they have already experienced one or more spine fractures. Height loss of one inch or more may be the first sign that someone has experienced spine fractures due to osteoporosis. Multiple spine fractures can cause a curved spine, stooped posture, back pain, and back fatigue. Women and men who have had a fracture are at high risk of experiencing another one. A fracture over the age of 50 or several fractures before that age may be a warning sign that a person has already developed osteoporosis. People over the age of 50 who have experienced a fracture should talk to their doctor about getting evaluated for osteoporosis. Risk Factors for Fractures The more likely you are to fall, the higher your risk for a fracture. And more severe falls increase your risk for fractures. Factors that increase your risk of falling and of fracturing a bone include - decreased muscle strength   - poor balance  -  impaired eyesight  - impaired mental abilities   - certain medications, such as tranquilizers and muscle relaxants  - hazardous elements in your living environment, such as slippery throw rugs and icy sidewalks.  decreased muscle strength poor balance impaired eyesight impaired mental abilities certain medications, such as tranquilizers and muscle relaxants hazardous elements in your living environment, such as slippery throw rugs and icy sidewalks. The angle at which you fall also affects your risk of fracture. Hip Fractures Although low bone mass (or low bone density) plays an important role in determining a person's risk of osteoporosis, it is only one of many risk factors for fractures. Various aspects of bone geometry, such as tallness, hip structure, and thighbone (femur) length, can also affect your chances of breaking a bone if you fall. Increasing age, too much weight loss, a history of fractures since age 50, having an existing spine fracture, and having a mother who fractured her hip all increase the risk of hip fracture regardless of a person's bone density. People with more risk factors have a higher chance of suffering a hip fracture.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth
Topic: Osteoporosis
Question: what research (or clinical trials) is being done for Osteoporosis ?
Answer: Scientists are pursuing a wide range of basic and clinical studies on osteoporosis. Significant advances in preventing and treating osteoporosis continue to be made. Such advances are the direct result of research focused on -  determining the causes and consequences of bone loss at the cellular and tissue levels  - assessing risk factors  - developing new strategies to maintain and even enhance bone density and reduce fracture risk  - exploring the roles of such factors as genetics, hormones, calcium, vitamin D, drugs, and exercise on bone mass. determining the causes and consequences of bone loss at the cellular and tissue levels assessing risk factors developing new strategies to maintain and even enhance bone density and reduce fracture risk exploring the roles of such factors as genetics, hormones, calcium, vitamin D, drugs, and exercise on bone mass.  Get more information about ongoing research on osteoporosis from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) at NIH.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth
Topic: Osteoporosis
Question: What is (are) Osteoporosis ?
Answer: Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens the bones to the point that they break easily. Women and men with osteoporosis most often break bones in the hip, spine, and wrist, but osteoporosis can be the cause of bone fractures anywhere.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth
Topic: Osteoporosis
Question: Who is at risk for Osteoporosis? ?
Answer: Some risk factors for osteoporosis cannot be changed. These include - Gender. Women are at higher risk for osteoporosis than men. They have smaller bones and lose bone more rapidly than men do because of hormone changes that occur after menopause. Therefore, if you are a woman, you are at higher risk for osteoporosis.  - Age. Because bones become thinner with age, the older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.  - Ethnicity. Caucasian and Asian women are at the highest risk for osteoporosis. This is mainly due to differences in bone mass and density compared with other ethnic groups. African-American and Hispanic women are also at risk, but less so.  - Family History. Osteoporosis tends to run in families. If a family member has osteoporosis or breaks a bone, there is a greater chance that you will too.  - History of Previous Fracture. People who have had a fracture after the age of 50 are at high risk of having another. Gender. Women are at higher risk for osteoporosis than men. They have smaller bones and lose bone more rapidly than men do because of hormone changes that occur after menopause. Therefore, if you are a woman, you are at higher risk for osteoporosis. Age. Because bones become thinner with age, the older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis. Ethnicity. Caucasian and Asian women are at the highest risk for osteoporosis. This is mainly due to differences in bone mass and density compared with other ethnic groups. African-American and Hispanic women are also at risk, but less so. Family History. Osteoporosis tends to run in families. If a family member has osteoporosis or breaks a bone, there is a greater chance that you will too. History of Previous Fracture. People who have had a fracture after the age of 50 are at high risk of having another.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth
Topic: Osteoporosis
Question: Who is at risk for Osteoporosis? ?
Answer: Here are risk factors for osteoporosis that you can control. -  Poor diet. Getting too little calcium over your lifetime can increase your risk for osteoporosis. Not getting enough vitamin D -- either from your diet, supplements, or sunlight -- can also increase your risk for osteoporosis. Vitamin D is important because it helps the body absorb calcium. An overall diet adequate in protein and other vitamins and minerals is also essential for bone health.  - Physical inactivity. Not exercising and being inactive or staying in bed for long periods can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. Like muscles, bones become stronger with exercise.  - Smoking. Cigarette smokers may absorb less calcium from their diets. In addition, women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen in their bodies.  Learn more about smoking and bone health.    - Medications.  Some commonly used medicines can cause loss of bone mass. These include a type of steroid called glucocorticoids, which are used to control diseases such as arthritis and asthma; some antiseizure drugs; some medicines that treat endometriosis; and some cancer drugs. Using too much thyroid hormone for an underactive thyroid can also be a problem. Talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking and what you can do to protect your bones.  - Low body weight. Women who are thin -- and small-boned -- are at greater risk for osteoporosis. Poor diet. Getting too little calcium over your lifetime can increase your risk for osteoporosis. Not getting enough vitamin D -- either from your diet, supplements, or sunlight -- can also increase your risk for osteoporosis. Vitamin D is important because it helps the body absorb calcium. An overall diet adequate in protein and other vitamins and minerals is also essential for bone health. Physical inactivity. Not exercising and being inactive or staying in bed for long periods can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. Like muscles, bones become stronger with exercise. Smoking. Cigarette smokers may absorb less calcium from their diets. In addition, women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen in their bodies.  Learn more about smoking and bone health.  Medications.  Some commonly used medicines can cause loss of bone mass. These include a type of steroid called glucocorticoids, which are used to control diseases such as arthritis and asthma; some antiseizure drugs; some medicines that treat endometriosis; and some cancer drugs. Using too much thyroid hormone for an underactive thyroid can also be a problem. Talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking and what you can do to protect your bones. Low body weight. Women who are thin -- and small-boned -- are at greater risk for osteoporosis.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth
Topic: Osteoporosis
Question: Who is at risk for Osteoporosis? ?
Answer: If you have any of these red flags, you could be at high risk for weak bones. Talk to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional. Do any of these apply to you? - ____ Im older than 65.  - ____ Ive broken a bone after age 50.  - ____ My close relative has osteoporosis or has broken a bone.   - ____ My health is fair or poor.   - ____ I smoke.   - ____ I am underweight for my height.  - ____ I started menopause before age 45.  - ____ Ive never gotten enough calcium.  - ____ I have more than two drinks of alcohol several times a week.  - ____ I have poor vision, even with glasses.  - ____ I sometimes fall.  - ____ Im not active.  - ____ I have one of these medical conditions:       - Hyperthyroidism    - Chronic lung disease    - Cancer    - Inflammatory bowel disease    - Chronic hepatic or renal disease    - Hyperparathyroidism    - Vitamin D deficiency    - Cushings disease    - Multiple sclerosis    - Rheumatoid arthritis      ____ Im older than 65. ____ Ive broken a bone after age 50. ____ My close relative has osteoporosis or has broken a bone. ____ My health is fair or poor. ____ I smoke. ____ I am underweight for my height. ____ I started menopause before age 45. ____ Ive never gotten enough calcium. ____ I have more than two drinks of alcohol several times a week. ____ I have poor vision, even with glasses. ____ I sometimes fall. ____ Im not active. ____ I have one of these medical conditions:     - Hyperthyroidism   - Chronic lung disease   - Cancer   - Inflammatory bowel disease   - Chronic hepatic or renal disease   - Hyperparathyroidism   - Vitamin D deficiency   - Cushings disease   - Multiple sclerosis   - Rheumatoid arthritis    - Hyperthyroidism  - Chronic lung disease  - Cancer  - Inflammatory bowel disease  - Chronic hepatic or renal disease  - Hyperparathyroidism  - Vitamin D deficiency  - Cushings disease  - Multiple sclerosis  - Rheumatoid arthritis  Hyperthyroidism Chronic lung disease Cancer Inflammatory bowel disease Chronic hepatic or renal disease Hyperparathyroidism Vitamin D deficiency Cushings disease Multiple sclerosis Rheumatoid arthritis - ____ I take one of these medicines:       - Oral glucocorticoids (steroids)     - Cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy)    - Thyroid medicine    - Antiepileptic medications    - Gonadal hormone suppression    - Immunosuppressive agents     ____ I take one of these medicines:     - Oral glucocorticoids (steroids)    - Cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy)   - Thyroid medicine   - Antiepileptic medications   - Gonadal hormone suppression   - Immunosuppressive agents   - Oral glucocorticoids (steroids)   - Cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy)  - Thyroid medicine  - Antiepileptic medications  - Gonadal hormone suppression  - Immunosuppressive agents Oral glucocorticoids (steroids) Cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy) Thyroid medicine Antiepileptic medications Gonadal hormone suppression Immunosuppressive agents
Source: NIHSeniorHealth
Topic: Osteoporosis
Question: Who is at risk for Osteoporosis? ?
Answer: Women have smaller bones, and they lose bone more rapidly than men because of hormone changes that occur after menopause. Therefore, women are at higher risk for osteoporosis.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth
Topic: Osteoporosis
Question: How to prevent Osteoporosis ?
Answer: Preventing falls is a special concern for men and women with osteoporosis. Falls can increase the likelihood of fracturing a bone in the hip, wrist, spine, or other part of the skeleton. In addition to the environmental factors listed below, falls can also be caused by impaired vision or balance, chronic diseases that affect mental or physical functioning, and certain medications, such as sedatives and antidepressants. It is also important that individuals with osteoporosis be aware of any physical changes that affect their balance or gait, and that they discuss these changes with their health care provider. Here are some tips to help eliminate the environmental factors that lead to falls.  Outdoors: - Use a cane or walker for added stability.   - Wear rubber-soled shoes for traction.  - Walk on grass when sidewalks are slippery.  - In winter, carry salt or kitty litter to sprinkle on slippery sidewalks.  - Be careful on highly polished floors that become slick and dangerous when wet.  - Use plastic or carpet runners when possible. Use a cane or walker for added stability. Wear rubber-soled shoes for traction. Walk on grass when sidewalks are slippery. In winter, carry salt or kitty litter to sprinkle on slippery sidewalks. Be careful on highly polished floors that become slick and dangerous when wet. Use plastic or carpet runners when possible.  Indoors: -  Keep rooms free of clutter, especially on floors.   - Keep floor surfaces smooth but not slippery.  - Wear supportive, low-heeled shoes even at home.  - Avoid walking in socks, stockings, or slippers.  - Be sure carpets and area rugs have skid-proof backing or are tacked to the floor.  - Be sure stairwells are well lit and that stairs have handrails on both sides.  - Install grab bars on bathroom walls near tub, shower, and toilet.  - Use a rubber bath mat in shower or tub.  - Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries beside your bed.  - If using a step stool for hard-to-reach areas, use a sturdy one with a handrail and wide steps.  - Add ceiling fixtures to rooms lit by lamps.  - Consider purchasing a cordless phone so that you dont have to rush to answer the phone when it rings, or so that you can call for help if you do fall. Keep rooms free of clutter, especially on floors. Keep floor surfaces smooth but not slippery. Wear supportive, low-heeled shoes even at home. Avoid walking in socks, stockings, or slippers. Be sure carpets and area rugs have skid-proof backing or are tacked to the floor. Be sure stairwells are well lit and that stairs have handrails on both sides. Install grab bars on bathroom walls near tub, shower, and toilet. Use a rubber bath mat in shower or tub. Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries beside your bed. If using a step stool for hard-to-reach areas, use a sturdy one with a handrail and wide steps. Add ceiling fixtures to rooms lit by lamps. Consider purchasing a cordless phone so that you dont have to rush to answer the phone when it rings, or so that you can call for help if you do fall. Learn more about devices that can help prevent falls in older adults.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth
Topic: Osteoporosis
Question: Who is at risk for Osteoporosis? ?
Answer: The more likely you are to fall, the higher your risk for a fracture. And more severe falls increase your risk for fractures. Factors that increase your risk of falling and of fracturing a bone include - decreased muscle strength   - poor balance  -  impaired eyesight  - impaired mental abilities   - certain medications, such as tranquilizers and muscle relaxants  - hazardous elements in your living environment, such as slippery throw rugs and icy sidewalks.  decreased muscle strength poor balance impaired eyesight impaired mental abilities certain medications, such as tranquilizers and muscle relaxants hazardous elements in your living environment, such as slippery throw rugs and icy sidewalks.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth
Topic: Osteoporosis
Question: What is (are) Osteoporosis ?
Answer: If you have osteoporosis, ask your doctor which activities are safe for you. If you have low bone mass, experts recommend that you protect your spine by avoiding exercises or activities that flex, bend, or twist it. Furthermore, you should avoid high-impact exercise to lower the risk of breaking a bone. You also might want to consult with an exercise specialist to learn the proper progression of activity, how to stretch and strengthen muscles safely, and how to correct poor posture habits. An exercise specialist should have a degree in exercise physiology, physical education, physical therapy, or a similar specialty. Be sure to ask if he or she is familiar with the special needs of people with osteoporosis. If you have health problemssuch as heart trouble, high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesityor if you aren't used to energetic activity, check with your doctor before you begin a regular exercise program.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth
Topic: Osteoporosis
Question: What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis ?
Answer: Osteoporosis does not have any symptoms until a fracture occurs. Some people may be unaware that they have already experienced one or more spine fractures. Height loss of one inch or more may be the first sign that someone has experienced spinal fractures due to osteoporosis. People who have experienced a fracture are at high risk of having another one. A fracture over the age of 50 or several fractures before that age may be a warning sign that a person has already developed osteoporosis. Any fracture in an older person should be followed up for suspicion of osteoporosis.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth
Topic: Osteoporosis
Question: What is (are) Osteoporosis ?
Answer: Consider talking to your doctor about being evaluated for osteoporosis if - you are a man or woman over age 50 or a postmenopausal woman and you break a bone  - you are a woman age 65 or older  - you are a woman younger than 65 and at high risk for fractures   - you have lost height, developed a stooped or hunched posture, or experienced sudden back pain with no apparent cause  - you have been taking glucocorticoid medications such as prednisone, cortisone, or dexamethasone for 2 months or longer or are taking other medications known to cause bone loss   - you have a chronic illness or are taking a medication that is known to cause bone loss   - you have anorexia nervosa or a history of this eating disorder.  - you are a premenopausal woman, not pregnant, and your menstrual periods have stopped, are irregular, or never started when you reached puberty.  you are a man or woman over age 50 or a postmenopausal woman and you break a bone you are a woman age 65 or older you are a woman younger than 65 and at high risk for fractures you have lost height, developed a stooped or hunched posture, or experienced sudden back pain with no apparent cause you have been taking glucocorticoid medications such as prednisone, cortisone, or dexamethasone for 2 months or longer or are taking other medications known to cause bone loss you have a chronic illness or are taking a medication that is known to cause bone loss you have anorexia nervosa or a history of this eating disorder. you are a premenopausal woman, not pregnant, and your menstrual periods have stopped, are irregular, or never started when you reached puberty.  Here is how to find an appropriate health care professional to treat osteoporosis.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth
Topic: Osteoporosis
Question: How to diagnose Osteoporosis ?
Answer: Diagnosing osteoporosis involves several steps, starting with a physical exam and a careful medical history, blood and urine tests, and possibly a bone mineral density assessment. When recording information about your medical history, your doctor will ask questions to find out whether you have risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures. The doctor may ask about -  any fractures you have had   -  your lifestyle (including diet, exercise habits, and whether you smoke)  - current or past health problems   - medications that could contribute to low bone mass and increased fracture risk  - your family history of osteoporosis and other diseases   - for women, your menstrual history.  any fractures you have had your lifestyle (including diet, exercise habits, and whether you smoke) current or past health problems medications that could contribute to low bone mass and increased fracture risk your family history of osteoporosis and other diseases for women, your menstrual history.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth