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Every individual is familiar with the impact of smoking on human health. Smoking is injurious to health, as this is the warning found on cigarette packets. It is regarded as one of the most serious public health concerns, and doctors are confident in their ability to assist people in quitting smoking. It causes ill effects on bone health. Nicotine inhalation by humans reduces lung capacity, which in turn reduces exercise tolerance and increases fatigue levels in individuals. Smoking tends to decrease the overall bone mass, resulting in osteoporosis. It further makes individuals more prone to fractures, majorly affecting the hip and spine, which more often heal slowly from musculoskeletal injuries.
The bone usually develops right from childhood until the age of 30 years. Therefore, smoking habits in the adolescent phase may prevent the development of bone mass. As a result, a smaller skeleton and less bone mass are observed among smokers when compared to non-smokers.
Smoking affects bone health at the ages of 40 and 50. Aged women tend to lose their estrogen level, which is considered quite important for the bones. Smoking accelerates bone mass loss, resulting in significant complications. To know more visit Manipal Hospitals, the best orthopedic hospital in Kolkata.
Impact of Smoking on Bone Health
Smoking tends to weaken the bones in several ways. Some of the consequences of smoking on bone health are explained below:
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Smoking decreases the blood flow to other tissues, including the bones.
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Nicotine in cigarettes decreases the growth of osteoblasts that form a bone mass.
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Smoking reduces the body’s capability to absorb calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and important cellular processes.
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Smoking changes the hormonal balance, mainly the estrogen level, which is important for both men and women in the development and maintenance of a strong skeleton structure.
Smoking obstructs the hormone calcitonin, which is important in bone formation. It increases the level of the hormone, cortisol, which results in bone breakdown. It damages the blood vessels, which obstructs the supply of blood flow to the bones, thus causing fractures.
Cigarette Smoking and the Risk of Bone Fracture
Both men and women who have the habit of smoking are at a high risk of developing osteoporosis and suffering from bone fractures. Smoking increases the risk of hip fractures resulting in osteoporosis by 40% in men and 31% in women. Smoking obstructs the healing process and increases the risk of fractures. In comparison to non-smokers, it takes two times more time for smokers to recover from a bone fracture. Broken bones are hard to recover from, and it takes longer time for smokers to recover from bone fractures. Individuals can be prevented from engaging in activities due to a high risk of bone fractures. Consult with our orthopaedist in Kolkata to have the best treatment.
Improving Bone Health
The diagnosis of bone health disorders can be a little devastating for patients. As a result, one should never postpone the diagnostic and treatment approach for bone health diseases so that appropriate actions can be taken to improve bone health. One can make lifestyle changes that will be effective in developing stronger bones. Apart from quitting smoking, strengthening and protecting the bones have been considered important. Some of the ways of improving bone health are illustrated below:
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Adopting a healthy diet involving the consumption of fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to eat foods with a high content of calcium and vitamin D. Intake of supplements to improve the health outcome is also recommended.
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The performance of regular physical activities is recommended. Experts have recommended performing 30 minutes of physical activity every day. The best exercises recommended for bone health include low-impact, weight-bearing exercises, and resistance exercises. Consultation with healthcare providers before beginning any new exercise regimen is particularly important for those at high risk of osteoporosis.
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Limiting alcohol consumption is recommended. Alcohol consumption in excess affects the normal balance and increases the chances of falling, which may result in fracture. Alcohol prevents the body from absorbing calcium, which causes bone loss.
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Communicate with the healthcare provider regarding the bone density tests, which are known as bone mineral density (BMD) tests.
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Quitting smoking is also recommended for improving bone health among patients who have the habit of smoking. If any individuals have the habit of cigarette smoking, quitting cigarettes reduces the progression of smoking, which is associated with bone loss.
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