Smoking Involved in Development of Osteoporosis

Numerous adverse health conditions can be triggered by cigarette smoking. According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the use of tobacco costs Americans almost $80 billion annually. There are well-established associations between inhaling tobacco smoke and developing cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and other serious and potentially fatal illnesses. About two decades ago, cigarette consumption was also linked to an increased risk of hip fracture and osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a debilitating, progressive disorder which weakens and deforms bones, especially those of the spine and pelvis, making them more susceptible to fracture. In this condition, calcium, magnesium and other vital minerals are lacking and bone protein is diminished, resulting in soft and fragile bones. This disease occurs more often in post-menopausal women as a result of a decrease in hormone levels; however, it can also affect men. In addition to hormonal factors, other causes include: deficiencies in dietary minerals and vitamin D; inactivity; use of certain drugs, including steroid hormones; genetic predisposition; excessive coffee and alcohol consumption; and cigarette smoking.

Osteoporosis-induced fractures are extremely painful and can lead to long-term disability. Medical experts say that bone fractures affect nearly 45 million Americans, particularly senior citizens. However, both bone breakages and osteoporosis can easily be prevented by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits early in life.

Recent studies investigating links between smoking and the development of osteoporosis show that tobacco smoke is directly involved in making bones less dense.  Smoking can also decrease estrogen levels and facilitate early menopause in women, which is an additional risk factor for the condition. Since nearly 70 percent of hip fracture sufferers are females, cigarette abstinence for them is especially important in order to protect hormone and bone health.

Besides, new studies reveal that greater cigarette consumption, as well as longer length of smoking, is positively correlated with an increased risk of hip fracture after the age of 65. Smoking in an old age significantly decreases bone density in both men and women. Smokers with osteoporosis also have more complicated fractures that require more time for healing.

One recently conducted trial has found a direct association between early exposition to environmental tobacco smoke (second-hand smoking) and susceptibility to having low bone mass later in life.

The good news is that smoking cessation, even in an old age, has been linked to a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures of the wrist, spine, and hip.

Jimmy Edwards