Osteitis fibrosa is a condition caused by untreated hyperparathyroidism, resulting in bone loss and weakness. It can be prevented by regular medical exams and screenings, and treated with vitamin D supplements and surgery. Managing an overactive parathyroid gland is crucial to prevent complications.
Osteitis fibrosa is a condition seen in cases of untreated hyperparathyroidism. Today, most patients with overactive parathyroid glands are identified long before complications such as osteitis fibrosa appear. In cases where the problem may progress, there are a number of treatment options that can be used to manage the condition and reverse some of the damage.
In patients with parathyroid glands that produce too much parathyroid hormone, the hormone triggers the overproduction of osteoclasts, bone cells designed to break down bone. This results in a loss of bone structure, with minerals from the bone entering the bloodstream. Over time, the bones weaken and become deformed, and clusters of tumors can develop on the bones.
Usually symptoms such as thirst and excessive urination, fatigue, nausea, weakness and vomiting are warning signs that allow the doctor to identify hyperparathyroidism. Blood tests can be used to check hormone levels in the bloodstream and when the problem is confirmed, treatment can be provided. If the condition is identified too late or is not well managed, the patient may develop osteitis fibrosa. This condition is characterized by bone pain, frequent fractures, and bone weakness.
When the bones are x-rayed, the mineral loss will be clearly visible. Blood tests can reveal high levels of parathyroid hormone and minerals like calcium that should be locked up in bone, not floating freely in the blood. Deformations of the bones such as abnormal curvature may also be visible with medical imaging studies if the patient’s bones have been allowed to soften over a long period of time.
Vitamin D supplements can help patients with osteitis fibrosa. Surgical treatments can be used to remove the tumors and address any bone deformities that have developed. Managing an overactive parathyroid gland is also an important part of care, to prevent further damage and address the risk of complications such as kidney damage.
Patients can prevent osteitis fibrosa by getting regular medical exams and screenings for conditions such as hyperparathyroidism. These screenings can identify hormonal imbalances in their early stages, before they have been allowed to progress to stages that cause harm to the body. Managing chronic conditions is also an important part of avoiding conditions like osteitis fibrosa, as proper medical care can reduce the risk of those conditions progressing to a dangerous level.
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