Although identical to attack the elderly (elderly), osteoporosis can also occur in children, you know. This condition is certainly very dangerous for children, considering that they are in their infancy and are actively moving.
Osteoporosis that occurs in children is also known as juvenile osteoporosis. Generally, this condition occurs in children aged 8-14 years. Just like in the elderly, children with juvenile osteoporosis also experience a decrease in bone density so that they have brittle bones or are even prone to fracture.
Causes and Symptoms of Osteoporosis in Children
During the growth period, bone tissue will continue to grow and regenerate, namely repairing damaged parts and replacing them with new ones.
Normally, this process will reach its peak when a person reaches the age of 25 years and then experience a decrease in the ability to regenerate with age.
In juvenile osteoporosis, more old bone cells are lost and fewer new bone cells are formed. now, this can be caused by several factors, including:
- Certain diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disorders, hyperthyroidism, arthritis in children, Cushing's syndrome, colitis, biliary atresia, malabsorption syndrome, cystic fibrosis, or cancer
- Side effects of medications, such as seizure medication to treat epilepsy, chemotherapy, or corticosteroid medications
- Lack of calcium or vitamin D intake
- Excessive sports activities that cause weight loss and menstrual cycle disorders
In addition, genetic factors also play a role in the occurrence of osteoporosis in children. The example is osteogenesis imperfecta. This condition is a genetic disorder that is inherited and can cause a child's bones to become brittle and break easily from birth.
In some cases, juvenile osteoporosis has no clear cause. This condition is called idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis. Generally, this type of osteoporosis will recover on its own with age, but it is possible to continue into adulthood.
Osteoporosis in children is often not clearly visible. However, children may complain of pain in the lower back, waist, knees, ankles, and soles of the feet.
In addition, children with juvenile osteoporosis will also usually have difficulty walking and changes in body posture into a stooped. Children are also more prone to fractures. In other words, even minor injuries can cause fractures in children with juvenile osteoporosis.
Here's How to Overcome Osteoporosis in Children
Osteoporosis in children is usually only detected when he has an injury that causes a fracture. During the examination of a fracture, the doctor will ask questions about the symptoms and history of the injury, medical history, and medications the child is taking.
If from the question and answer the doctor assesses that the child is at high risk for juvenile osteoporosis, an examination will be carried out bone mass density (BMD) to check bone density. Blood tests and urine tests are also needed to measure the levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in the child's body.
If your child is diagnosed with juvenile osteoporosis, the treatment will be according to the disease that causes it. Meanwhile, if osteoporosis is caused by the effects of taking medication, the doctor will reduce the dose or replace the medication taken by the child.
In addition to undergoing treatment, lifestyle changes for your little one are also important. Make sure you serve foods rich in calcium and vitamin D that can support bone formation, such as milk and processed products, green vegetables, tofu, fish, eggs, and nuts.
In addition, keep your little one from physical activity or strenuous exercise that can worsen the condition of his bones. Instead, you can invite your little one to do light exercise, such as walking around the house.
Juvenile osteoporosis is rare. However, if it occurs, this condition can have a negative impact on children's growth and interfere with their daily activities even into adulthood.
Therefore, it is important for mothers to be aware of conditions that can cause osteoporosis or symptoms of osteoporosis in your child, so that this condition can be prevented or resolved as early as possible. If your little one shows symptoms of juvenile osteoporosis, immediately consult a doctor, yes, Bun.
