How does the cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol cause of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a progressive metabolic bone disease that decreases bone density (bone mass per unit volume), with deterioration of bone structure. Skeletal weakness leads to fractures with minor or inapparent trauma, particularly in the thoracic and lumbar spine, wrist, and hip. Acute or chronic back pain is common. Diagnosis is by dual-energy x‑ray absorptiometry. Prevention and treatment involve Ca and vitamin D supplements, exercises to maximize bone and muscle strength and minimize the risk of falls, and drug therapy to preserve bone mass or stimulate new bone formation. * Excess alcohol – small amounts of alcohol do not increase osteoporosis risk and may even be beneficial, but chronic heavy drinking (Alcohol intake greater than 2 units/day), especially at a younger age, increases risk significantly. * Tobacco smoking – tobacco smoking inhibits the activity of osteoblasts, and is an independent risk factor for osteoporosis. Smoking (in the case of women) also results in increased
